Factors examined included broader attitudes toward punishment, social and demographic factors, knowledge and experience of crime, fear of crime, perceived sentencing goals, and the impact of the media. Results indicate that first and foremost, attitudes toward the punishment of criminals are related to broader attitudes or ideologies about discipline in other contexts (e.g., school, work): punitiveness or leniency is shaped by the same factors that contribute to a disciplinarian or libertarian attitude. The second largest factor contributing to punitiveness is ignorance of sentencing practices, with those who underestimated the rate of imprisonment for burglary showing more punitive attitudes. Age and gender (older and male) also were related to punitiveness, while victimization was not. Media choice also was a factor, with those reading the quality press being more lenient and those who read tabloids being more punitive. Finally, fear of crime and perceived risk of victimization were related to increased punitiveness. Overall, results suggest that dissatisfaction with sentencing practices could be reduced by improving public information and awareness. 8 tables, 3 notes, and 11 references.