Comparative study of punitive attitudes among American and Italian college students

This study aims to shed light on the concept of American exceptionalism and the two opposing criminal justice theories of consensus and conflict. We have compared the punitive attitudes of American and Italian college students and briefly reviewed the criminal justice policies of the two countries. The findings bring into question the notion of American exceptionalism. Although the students of Italy and America have differing attitudes, there is not enough evidence to support the notion that American students are exceptionally punitive. Both male and female students of each country are very punitive towards violent offences while lenient towards the non-violent offence of drug possession and sale. The findings also show that the two theories of social order are not devoid of exclusivity. Elements of both theories are present in the development of criminal policies in the U.S. and Italy.