Public Opinion on Compassionate Release: An Intersectional Analysis of Perceptions and Policy Implications

• In Event: Public Opinion of Justice-Involved People: Results from National Survey Experiments

Abstract

The aging population in prison, those 55 and older, is the fastest-growing segment of those incarcerated. The rising costs associated with incarcerating older individuals and systemic overcrowding of prisons, yet lower risk posed to public safety by this age group, suggests alternative sentencing avenues may be supported by the public. Utilized at much higher rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, compassionate release is one such alternative that grants sentence reduction and subsequent release for ‘extraordinary and compelling’ reasons, like terminal illness or deteriorating health. Limited research on public opinion of compassionate release suggests that the public supports such release for non-violent individuals. What remains unclear, however, is the possible disparities in support for release by the applicants’ race and gender. Through a 2x2 experimental vignette design where race (White/Black) and gender (male/female) are randomly assigned, we explore public support for compassionate release. In addition, we examine reasons for the approval or denial of compassionate release, including factors associated with stereotypes of offenders based on demographic characteristics. This study expands research on understanding public opinion of issues pertaining to criminal justice reform and potential disparities in support for policies that ameliorate the collateral consequences of incarceration across the life course.

Authors

• Alicen Potts, University of Cincinnati

• Ráchael Powers, University of Cincinnati