"Balancing Punishment and Mercy: What Shapes Public Attitudes Toward Compassionate Release?"

• In Event: Public attitudes towards crimes, punishments and policies

Abstract

As the United States prison population continues to age, discussions around compassionate release—early release mechanisms for incarcerated individuals facing serious medical conditions or old age—have gained prominence. Despite growing policy attention, little is known about the factors shaping public support for compassionate release. This study examines predictors of U.S. residents’ attitudes toward compassionate release using data from a nationally representative online survey (N = 1,300). Specifically, the study assesses whether support varies based on characteristics of the respondents (e.g., age, sex, race) and individual-level respondent factors (e.g., political ideology and personal experience with the system). Preliminary analyses suggest that while most participants express general support for compassionate release, this support varies significantly based on offender characteristics and respondent attitudes. Notably, participants are more likely to endorse compassionate release for individuals convicted of nonviolent offenses and those suffering from severe medical conditions, while political ideology moderates responses. These findings contribute to ongoing discussions about the role of public opinion in shaping decarceral policies and highlight potential barriers to broader implementation of compassionate release policies.

Author

• Jane C. Daquin, Sam Houston State University