Research Note: The Role of Differential Experience with the Criminal Justice System in Changes in Perceptions of Severity of Legal Sanctions Over Time

Abstract

This research tests the hypothesis that experience with legal sanctions raises one's perceptions of severity of punishment. Perceptions were measured among a group of adults after their arrest and the imposition of sanctions. The findings indicate that, overall, respondents raised their perceptions after their encounter with the criminal justice system. Particularly, among those who received more severe sanctions, a significantly higher number raised their perceptions as compared to those who lowered them. Among those who received lighter punishments, no significant difference was found between those who raised and lowered their perceptions. The implications for the deterrence doctrine are discussed.