Assessing Public Support for Collateral and Other Consequences of Criminal Convictions. (2nd December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Link, Nathan W.; Ward, Jeffrey T.
• Is Part Of: Justice quarterly. Volume 39:Number 7(2022)
• Page Start: 1499
• Page End: 1523
• Publication Date: 2022-12-02
• Subjects: Public opinion -- collateral consequences -- punitiveness -- reentry -- rehabilitation -- criminal justice -- policy; Criminal justice, Administration of -- Periodicals; Criminal justice, Administration of -- United States -- Periodicals; 340.11405
• DOI: 10.1080/07418825.2022.2107944
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0741-8825

Abstract

Abstract: Amid the growing recognition of the limits of excessive criminal punishment, scholars have begun to assess public support for restrictive and punitive laws and other collateral consequences of a criminal conviction. Building on this work, we analyze data from an original survey of U.S. residents (N = 1, 002) to assess support for 23 specific social, legal, and health consequences across 11 life domains, many of which hold important implications for desistance and life-course criminology. Descriptive analyses reveal that support for specific consequences and prohibitions varies greatly, yet it generally follows a similar pattern across conviction types. General linear regression models indicate that those who perceive society as more just, hold more punitive outlooks, and perceive a higher risk of crime victimization are more supportive of social and legal consequences. We discuss the findings' implications for policy and practice within a society that may be in the beginning stages of a correctional turning point.