NCJ Number
243646
Journal
Justice Quarterly Volume: 30 Issue: 4 Dated: August 2013 Pages: 594-618
Date Published
August 2013
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study examined public beliefs of Florida citizens about the prevalence of miscarriages of justice in their State and their level of support for various proposed remedies.
Abstract
The present study examines public beliefs of Florida citizens about the prevalence of miscarriages of justice in their State and their level of support for various proposed remedies. The study also examines various correlates of punishment beliefs and death penalty opinions. Using a self-administered survey of venire persons called to jury duty, this study found that the public believes that the prevalence of miscarriages of justice in capital cases is quite high. The public is supportive of nearly all of the proposed remedies measured and they are willing to pay more taxes to support the implementation of such proposals. At the same time, respondents report feeling that the officials responsible for such miscarriages of justice should be severely punished. Importantly, the results show powerful evidence of broad societal consensus on each of these issues. Legal and criminal justice policy implications of these findings are offered. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.