The present study attempted to assess whether treatment has in fact been sufficiently tarnished that it no longer constitutes a viable rationale for criminal sanctioning. Based on a survey of an Illinois community, the analysis revealed that, although support for punitive justifications is widespread, rehabilitation continues to retain substantial legitimacy. This conclusion was reinforced by data from polls conducted in other states and on national samples. Finally, the authors argue that the existence of a 'punitive public' is a myth that functions to limit the policy alternatives that state officials see as politically feasible 10 footnotes; 63 references. (Author abstract)