THE USE OF MANDATORY SENTENCING LEGISLATION AS SYMBOLIC STATEMENTS

Barbara Cole Nienstedt

Review of Policy Research, 1986, vol. 6, issue 1, 36-43

Abstract: Mandatory sentencing legislation often results in laws which use provisions and set penalties in order to make strong symbolic and political statements. Thus, in addition to protecting society, they are powerful vehicles for expressing moral outrage. This is especially evident in mandatory sentencing for drug and alcohol offenses. The present research examines the consequences of that practice on one state's criminal justice system. Interviews with key actors along with examinations of official documents, newspaper publicity and media campaigns illustrate the political decisions and symbolic statements which pervade driving‐while‐intoxicated (DWI) legislation. The process is studied from before the lawls enactment through its subsequent outcome.

Date: 1986
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https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1541-1338.1986.tb00645.x

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