“Myths” on the Benefits of Punitive Sentencing Predict Public Support for the Punishment of Drug Crimes

Building upon prior work, this experiment with a national sample of U.S. adults ( N = 1,547) examines the influence of public beliefs about different “myths” surrounding the potential benefits of harsh drug sentencing on support for punitive sentencing policies for various drug crimes. Results show that increased public support for the use of harsh sentencing strategies for the serious trafficking of serious drugs appeared to be motivated by stronger beliefs about benefits for crime prevention, public safety, and public systems, rather than for public health. Decreased support for harsh sentencing strategies for minor trafficking and possession of marijuana was mediated by weaker beliefs about benefits for public health, crime prevention, public systems, and/or public safety. Overall, this research suggests that public beliefs about the potential benefits of punitive drug sentencing help to motivate their levels of support for different sentencing strategies, which should be considered when promoting sentencing reform efforts for drug crimes.