People Talking About Punishment

Abstract

Abstract: Using focus groups, this study has investigated public attitudes to sentencing. Respondents emerged as highly cynical about the ability and performance of sentencers, and thought that in general sentences are far too soft. They tended to be systematically misinformed about sentencing practice, often substantially overestimating sentencers' leniency. They found a series of Court of Appeal judgments broadly acceptable, and advocated sentences that were often in line with current practice, at least with regard to the type of sentence. But many expressed highly punitive views about serious crimes, and wanted longer prison sentences for these. Respondents lacked any clear understanding of probation and rehabilitative sentences. The findings imply an urgent need for action to correct public misunderstanding about the leniency of sentencing, as this is an important source of frustration with sentencing.