Psychological Mechanisms Underlying Lay Support for Criminal Sentencing Outcomes

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

This panel presents four experimental studies with samples of the U.S. public that investigate how various psychological processes influence lay support for criminal sentencing outcomes in cases involving different crime types and offender backgrounds. Paper 1 examines the extent to which the public expresses moral panic toward different types of drug offenders and how this panic may lead to support for punitive drug sentencing practices. Paper 2 investigates if and the extent to which preexisting “core beliefs” about myths on the potential benefits of drug sentencing predict public support for punitive drug sentencing, as well as whether these relationships vary for different types of drug crimes. Paper 3 examines whether dimensions of moral panic toward psychopathy help to explain the effects of psychopathic “labelling” on punishment support across sentencing, dangerousness, and treatment. Finally, Paper 4 examines how the age at which a defendant’s child abuse occurs may affect support for the length and objectives of his punishment, as well as the role of trait psychological essentialism in predicting punishment attitudes for offenders with childhood abuse. Implications of these findings will be discussed in relation to the importance of public sentiment toward sentencing systems, practices, and reform.

Sub Unit

• Area VIII. Perceptions of Crime & Justice / 63. Attitudes about the Criminal Justice System & Punishment

Individual Presentations

• The Role of Moral Panic in Predicting U.S. Public Support for Punitive Drug Sentencing - Colleen Berryessa, Rutgers University

• “Myths” on the Safety and Health Benefits of Punitive Drug Sentencing Predict Public Support for the Punishment of Drug Offenses - Carolina R. Caliman, Rutgers University; Colleen Berryessa, Rutgers University

• Explaining the Psychopathic “Label” and Punishment Outcomes within the Context of Moral Panic - Merin Sanil, Rutgers University; Sandy Xie, Rutgers University; Colleen Berryessa, Rutgers University

• The Effects of Child Abuse on Support for Sentencing Outcomes: The Moderating Role of Essentialist Thinking - Sandy Xie, Rutgers University; Colleen Berryessa, Rutgers University; Jason Silver, Rutgers University

Chair

• Colleen Berryessa, Rutgers University