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Assessing Public Support for Three-Strikes-and-You're- Out Laws: Global Versus Specific Attitudes

NCJ Number
164077
Journal
Crime and Delinquency Volume: 42 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1996) Pages: 517- 534
Author(s)
B K Applegate; F T Cullen; M G Turner; J L Sundt
Date Published
1996
Length
18 pages
Annotation
A random sample of 400 residents of Hamilton County (Ohio) were surveyed to determine their attitudes toward three-strikes laws, under which persons receive life imprisonment following their third felony conviction.
Abstract
The survey was conducted by mail in 1995 and used reminder letters, replacement questionnaires, and telephone contacts with those who did not respond. Responses came from 237 residents. Results revealed that support for three- strikes laws is high when citizens are asked broad, single- item questions. However, support declines greatly when citizens are presented with specific situations covered under the law. In addition, the public appears willing to make exceptions to three-strikes laws. Taken together, these findings suggest that citizens would support three-strikes policies that focus on only the most serious offenders and that allow for flexible application. Tables, appended list of sample offense scenarios, notes, and 41 references (Author abstract modified)