NCJ Number
134241
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 15 Issue: 1 and 2 Dated: (Spring/Fall 1991) Pages: 121-124
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study determined whether or not there are statistically significant regional differences in the number of restricted civil rights for a felony conviction.
Abstract
In addition to the sentence imposed on a convicted felon, numerous civil disabilities often are imposed. These disabilities, which adversely affect an offender not only during incarceration but also after release, can include denial of such privileges as voting, holding public office, possession of a firearm, and the maintenance of family relations. Recently, Burton, Cullen, and Travis (1987) surveyed the 50 States and the District of Columbia statutes, case laws, and attorney generals to determine the privileges and rights felons might lose after conviction. Using this data, the present study determined whether or not there are statistically significant regional differences in the number of restricted rights for a felony conviction. An analysis of variance did find significant differences in the mean number of restricted rights among regions; for example, the mean number of restricted rights in the East South Central region was 6.25; two to three times greater than in other regions. Further analysis indicates that regional differences cannot be explained by either a region's crime rate or incarceration rate. The number of restricted civil rights for a felony conviction, however, did correlate with a region's conservatism as measured by the percentage that voted for the Republican presidential candidate in 1988. 1 table and 6 references