Relation of affect control theory to the sentencing of criminals

Past researchers (A. Blumstein, J. Cohen, S. E. Martin, & M. H. Tonry, 1983 ; A. Von Hirsch & H. Gross, 1981) have explored legal variables and demonst rated the significance of various criteria (e.g., criminal's prior record, seriousness of offense, influence of victim) on the sentencing of criminals . Affect control theory (D. R. Heise, 1979) focuses on inferences about the identity of the criminal. In the present study, the author examined the in fluence of the foregoing legal variables and affect control theory in sente ncing decisions by using U.S. undergraduates' reactions to statements of cr iminals and of victims. Results of a 2 (criminal's emotion: sad vs. unconce rned) x 2 (victim's emotion: sad vs. unconcerned) x 2 (prior record: none v s. auto theft) factorial design supported affect control theory and demonst rated the significance of the victim's perceived identity in sentencing dec isions, even when information about the prior record was provided.