Legislator Ideology and Corrections and Sentencing Policy in Florida

Abstract

Crime and sentencing are key issues confronting policy makers. Overcrowding and escalating corrections budgets have brought increased public attention on the criminal justice system. In light of this increased focus, it is important to examine what issues concern policy makers in corrections and sentencing policy decisions. The purpose of this research is to explore how Florida legislators consider crime causation, crime control, and support for rehabilitation when deciding on corrections and sentencing policy. This study also offers an initial and exploratory glance into whether policy makers consider inmate behavior and public fear when making policy decisions. Findings suggest that legislators in Florida support imprisonment as well as rehabilitation, believe in using policy to control inmate behavior, and hesitate to alter public policy toward more leniency even if public fear decreases.