TY - JOUR PY - 1992// TI - Retribution and capital punishment: Toward a better understanding of death penalty opinion JO - Journal of criminal justice A1 - Bohm, R. M. SP - 227 EP - 236 VL - 20 IS - 3 N2 - Although retribution appears to be the primary basis of support for the death penalty in the United States, the concept of retribution is ambiguous; thus, it is unclear what people mean when they express support for capital punishment for retributive reasons. This study attempted to discern the meaning of retribution as it relates to death penalty opinion. Two types of retribution were revealed: “vindictive revenge” and “revenge-utilitarianism.” Subjects clearly subscribed to the vindictive revenge conception, one characterized by a strong emotional or visceral component.

LA - SN - 0047-2352 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0047-2352(92)90047-D ID - ref1 ER -