Social distance of deviants and deviant offenders.

Previous studies have focused on the seriousness of the offenses but have neglected the offenders. This analysis used a Bogardus-type social distance scale of 23 deviant roles using a sample of 524 respondents who indicated decided preferences for some types of deviant offenders over others. It was concluded that individuals occupying various roles such as judges, defenders, juries, and so on may feel great social distance toward certain types of offenders and may act differentially toward them.