Good Governance, Political Participation, and Public Support for Mandatory Sentencing

• In Event: Attitudes Toward Sentencing Policies

Abstract

Scholars have recently turned their attention to the potential importance of institutional effectiveness, trust in government, and political participation to better account for variation in punitive attitudes and policies. Engaged citizen who trust their government, it is argued, are less likely to endorse punitive policies like mandatory sentences. Drawing on a statewide survey of 1,569 Oregon adults, this study tests whether respondents who are confident in the effectiveness of criminal justice, trust the government, and are engaged in the political process are less inclined to support mandatory sentencing. Controlling for other known predictors of punitiveness, the study found that belief in the effectiveness of prosecutors, judges, and prisons significantly influenced support for mandatory sentencing. Political participation, trust in government, and perceived risk and fear of crime were unrelated to support for mandatory sentences.

Authors

• Jody Sundt, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis

• Kathryn Schwaeble, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis

• Cullen Caldwell Merritt, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis