NCJ Number
244932
Journal
Criminal Justice Policy Review Volume: 24 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2013 Pages: 716-734
Date Published
November 2013
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study attempts to explain why presidents engage in symbolic rhetoric when it comes to crime policy.
Abstract
Research into the American Presidents' role in crime control policy has consistently found that they rely on symbolic rhetoric in their crime speeches. The research to date, however, has been confined to qualitative analysis and has not attempted to explain why presidents engage in symbolic rhetoric when it comes to crime policy. This study assesses presidential speeches related to crime from 1948 through 2010, and employs logistic regression to estimate the effects of the independent variables on the likelihood presidents will employ symbolic rhetoric. Findings suggest public opinion, presidential election year, party affiliation, and divided government, are significant factors in the likelihood presidents will engage in symbolic politics. The article concludes with a discussion of the study's implication for the larger body of research on presidential crime rhetoric and the Federal role in crime control. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.