Crime And Punishment: Public Opinion And Political Law-And-Order Rhetoric In Europe 1996–2019

Abstract This article explores in which ways politicians’ law-and-order rhetoric and citizens’ attitudes concerns about crime engage with each other European countries. The focus is on the ‘constructionist’ or ‘framing’ model posits that punishment are influenced ‘framed’ by political rhetoric. We capture overall ‘tone’ of around criminal justice using statements party manifestos. Our indicators punitive sentiment among public ‘crime salience’ (crime as most important problem) preferences. link survey data from Eurobarometer Social Survey to explore relationship between citizens elites for 26 countries 1996 2019. In line previous research, we show indeed provides a framing narrative but limited their contrast, assessment problem shaped level serious violent (homicide) country during this period. suggests risk-based an ‘objectivist’ model. discuss these results context differences politization law Europe United States.