Citation

Feiler SM, Sheley JF. J. Crim. Justice 1999; 27(1): 55-64.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S0047-2352(98)00036-1

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article examines the issue of public support for the harsher treatment of criminals through analysis of the variables underlying individuals' willingness to treat juvenile offenders as adults subject to criminal penalties. It explores the relationship of legal elements (e.g., assaultive features) and extralegal elements (e.g., race of the offender) of a case with regard to citizens' willingness to transfer youthful offenders from juvenile to adult criminal court. Analysis of survey data produced by phone interviews of a random sample of residents of the New Orleans metropolitan area indicates that, in line with recent Louisiana legislation, the public feels that more violent youth should be tried in criminal court. Countering that same legislation, however, the public remains willing to entertain the age of the offender in the same decision. Even when the crime in question is seriously violent, citizens are less likely to desire the transfer of a younger juvenile. An offender's prior record seems generally ignored in citizens' evaluation of a case for potential transfer, as are the victim's gender, age, and race. Though the race of the respondent plays no role in the desire to transfer youth to adult court, the race of the offender clearly does. Whether Black or White, citizens are somewhat more likely to express a preference for transfer if the juvenile in question is Black. The implications of these findings for the larger societal response to the