P034. Environmental Offenses: Public Perception and Sentencing Preferences in Switzerland

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Abstract

Environmentally harmful behaviour is an increasing challenge for the judiciary and society on both global and local levels. While legal instruments for sanctioning environmental crimes have existed in Switzerland for some time, the societal perception of environmental crime and the public’s demand for punishment in this area remain largely unexplored. The aim of the proposed study is therefore to conduct a quantitative survey in Switzerland to determine which sanctions for environmental offenses are perceived as appropriate and which factors influence the demand for punishment.

A particular focus of the study lies in distinguishing between corporations and individuals as perpetrators of environmental offenses, as well as in analysing different types of environmental crimes. The collected data will be used to examine whether more severe environmental violations lead to a higher demand for punishment, whether corporations should be sanctioned more strictly than individuals, and whether the demand for punishment varies depending on the type of environmental offense. Additionally, the study will explore the influence of political attitudes, environmental awareness, and sociodemographic variables on sentencing preferences for environmental crimes.

Data collection will be conducted through an online survey using standardized response options (Likert scale, multiple-choice, and ranking questions). Respondents will also be asked to evaluate brief case scenarios. The statistical analyses will include descriptive evaluations, group comparisons, as well as correlation and regression analyses to identify key influencing factors.

The study aims to contribute to the legal discourse on environmental crime while also providing valuable insights for legislation and environmental policy in Switzerland. Furthermore, it seeks to establish an initial contribution to the field of "green criminology" in Switzerland.

Author

• Jan Wenk, University of Bern