Public Support for the Death Penalty

Abstract

Over the last decade public support for capital punishment has increased. Yet few empirical studies have attempted theoretically to explain this occurrence. Culling rather diverse literature, the seeds of three plausible explanations have emerged. They have been identified as the Rational, the Systems, and the Traditional Values models.

Data for the project were derived from survey questionnaire responses of 1149 of 1872 persons (63 percent response rate), via a 4-wave mail survey. The sample was drawn from all available telephone directories in Washington State; both adult male and females were surveyed.

The data offered minimal support for either the Rational or Systems models, and provided better support for the Traditional Values explanation. Because the Traditional Values model was the best supported, it was then subjected to a more systematic analysis by focusing on three of its salient dimensions. These included sexual restraint, orderliness, and discipline. Finally, policy implications of the data were addressed, particularly in light of recent United States Supreme Court decisions.

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