Kentucky Probationers' and Parolees' Perceptions of the Severity of Prison versus County Jail and Probation
Abstract
This study extends a growing body of research on offenders' perceptions of the punitiveness of criminal sanctions. Specifically, we examine punishment equivalency ratings by Kentucky probationers and parolees (N=588) meant to gauge their perceptions of the severtiy of prison compared to bother probation and county jail. Ratings are analyzed by several demographic characteristics. We find that, in general, survey repondents perceived county jail as more severe than prison but that probation was rated as less severe.
This paper has been withdrawn.
