Report / Sep 11, 2013
Framing and Facts: Necessary Synergies in Communicating about Public Safety and Criminal Justice
By Adam F. Simon, Frank D. Gilliam Jr
Framing and Facts: Necessary Synergies in Communicating about Public Safety and Criminal Justice
DOWNLOADThis report presents the results of an experimental survey that assesses the effect of facts and values on people’s attitudes towards criminal justice reform. Among four values tested, Pragmatism was most effective in elevating support for reform. Presenting unframed facts about the criminal justice system — that is, facts presented without an accompanying value — produced minimal effects. However, when facts about racial disparities in the criminal justice system were combined with the value of Pragmatism, support increased for a wide range of reform measures.