NCJ Number
137252
Journal
Justice Quarterly Volume: 8 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1991) Pages: 449-464
Date Published
1991
Length
6 pages
Annotation
A telephone survey of 811 households in Kentucky gathered information regarding the attitudes of the State's residents toward capital punishment.
Abstract
The survey took place in October 1989 and used a probability sample and a computer-assisted telephone interviewing system. Results confirmed the conclusion of other studies that support for capital punishment is complex and multidimensional. In particular, nonwhites, women, and people living in low-income households are more likely to express less direct support for capital punishment. The fear of crime in the neighborhood also results in a greater willingness to endorse capital punishment. In addition, it has a crucial role in mediating the influence of race, age, education, and the experience of victimization by violent crime. Findings also explained why it is so difficult to pass legislation against capital punishment. Tables, figure, footnotes, and 29 references (Author abstract modified)