TY - JOUR PY - 2015// TI - Unknown, unloved? Public opinion on and knowledge of suspended sentences in the Netherlands JO - Crime and delinquency A1 - Gelder, Jean-Louis van A1 - Aarten, Pauline Geertje Minke A1 - Lamet, Willemijn A1 - Laan, Peter van der SP - 669 EP - 689 VL - 61 IS - 5 N2 - Public opinion research shows that the general public tends to perceive noncustodial sanctions, such as suspended sentences, as too lenient while being largely ignorant about their nature. In two studies among representative samples of the Dutch population, the authors examine public opinion about and knowledge of suspended sentences in the Netherlands.

FINDINGS suggest that knowledge of suspended sentences is positively related to their perceived punitiveness and beliefs in their effectiveness. Furthermore, opinions about suspended sentences are related to general penal attitudes. More punitive attitudes translate into less favorable opinions. Finally, providing information about suspended sentences can lead to more positive attitudes and greater belief in their effectiveness.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 0011-1287 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0011128711426537 ID - ref1 ER -