Redemption or forfeiture? Understanding diversity in Australians' attitudes to parole. (April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fitzgerald, Robin; Freiberg, Arie; Bartels, Lorana
• Is Part Of: Criminology & criminal justice. Volume 20:Number 2(2020)
• Page Start: 169
• Page End: 186
• Publication Date: 2020-04
• Subjects: Forfeiture -- latent class analysis -- parole -- public opinion -- redeemability; Criminology -- Periodicals; Criminal justice, Administration of -- Periodicals; 364.05
• DOI: 10.1177/1748895818800738
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-8958

Abstract

Recent Australian reforms to parole following high-profile violations are premised on a purported public desire for greater restrictions on the use of parole. These changes reflect the tendency of legislatures to presume that the public is largely punitive and invoke a 'forfeiture' of rights rationale that weakens support for offender rehabilitation. We consider whether restricting parole is based on a sound reading of public views. Drawing on a national study of public opinion on parole in Australia, we use a latent variable approach to look for distinct patterns in attitudes to parole and re-entry. We also examine what factors explain these patterns. The results support the conclusion that appealing to a public belief in offenders' ability to change may be the most effective way to increase public confidence in parole systems.