TY - JOUR
T1 - Unknown, Unloved?
T2 - Public Opinion on and Knowledge of Suspended Sentences in the Netherlands
AU - van Gelder, Jean Louis
AU - Aarten, Pauline
AU - Lamet, Willemijn
AU - van der Laan, Peter
PY - 2015/6/4
Y1 - 2015/6/4
N2 - Public opinion research shows that the general public tends to perceive noncustodial sanctions, such as suspended sentences, as too lenient while being largely ignorant about their nature. In two studies among representative samples of the Dutch population, the authors examine public opinion about and knowledge of suspended sentences in the Netherlands. Findings suggest that knowledge of suspended sentences is positively related to their perceived punitiveness and beliefs in their effectiveness. Furthermore, opinions about suspended sentences are related to general penal attitudes. More punitive attitudes translate into less favorable opinions. Finally, providing information about suspended sentences can lead to more positive attitudes and greater belief in their effectiveness.
AB - Public opinion research shows that the general public tends to perceive noncustodial sanctions, such as suspended sentences, as too lenient while being largely ignorant about their nature. In two studies among representative samples of the Dutch population, the authors examine public opinion about and knowledge of suspended sentences in the Netherlands. Findings suggest that knowledge of suspended sentences is positively related to their perceived punitiveness and beliefs in their effectiveness. Furthermore, opinions about suspended sentences are related to general penal attitudes. More punitive attitudes translate into less favorable opinions. Finally, providing information about suspended sentences can lead to more positive attitudes and greater belief in their effectiveness.
KW - penal attitudes
KW - public opinion
KW - suspended sentences
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84930387221&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1177/0011128711426537
DO - 10.1177/0011128711426537
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84930387221
SN - 0011-1287
VL - 61
SP - 669
EP - 689
JO - Crime and Delinquency
JF - Crime and Delinquency
IS - 5
ER -