NCJ Number
124482
Journal
Law and Human Behavior Volume: 14 Issue: 3 Dated: (June 1990) Pages: 199-214
Date Published
1990
Length
16 pages
Annotation
In public opinion polls, a substantial proportion of lay respondents report that judges are too lenient.
Abstract
We examine the factors that contribute to this perceived judicial leniency. The majority of lay respondents in our study said that judges are "too lenient" in their sentencing of burglary offenders; yet, their own sentencing preferences were more lenient than the required minimum sentence for residential burglary. Our survey and experimental data suggest that citizens' opinions are formed by their inaccurate impressions of the seriousness of actual criminal cases as well as actual judicial sentencing practices. Our experimental research indicates that opinions of judicial leniency can be changed by providing respondents with an example of the typical case that comes before the court. Directions for future research are discussed. 9 notes, 5 tables, and 41 references. (Author abstract)