The only factor that had a significant effect on the degree of punitiveness favored by the respondents was the degree of violence of the crime. However, in general, those more knowledgeable about the prevalence of violent crime in Canada tended to favor less severe sentences for offenders. While these same individuals were less fearful about violent crime, this did not necessarily translate into less punitive attitudes. Respondents attributed a higher level of harm to violent acts, than to property crimes, which seemed to contribute to their attitudes of more severe punitiveness for violent crimes. (Author abstract modified)