Massachusetts Public Opinion Survey
With funding from The Boston Foundation, CJI conducted a public opinion study to explore the thinking of Massachusetts and Boston residents about criminal justice policy on such issues as sentencing, corrections, and prisoner reintegration. This nonpartisan study was designed to explore how Massachusetts residents feel when they learn more about the issues and have a chance to consider them at some length. It aimed to understand current views, test what kinds of reforms and policies the public would support, and identify areas where they may have misperceptions or hold conflicting views. Findings from the study were used to educate policymakers and legislators about what the people of Massachusetts believe should be done with regard to criminal justice system reform and prisoner reintegration; highlight opportunities for reform that are likely to have public support; and identify areas requiring more public education before reform is accepted. The study included telephone interviews with 748 randomly sampled Massachusetts adults and in-depth focus groups that informed development of the telephone questionnaire.
Final Report: Rethinking Justice in Massachusetts
