Methodology
Data Collection
The current research will utilize interviews as the core method of data collection. As such, the researchers will schedule face to face discussions with the research participants. The interviews will be taped or recorded. The choice to record the interview than take notes is more effective in that it is accurate. However, it is relatively time-consuming, but more recommended because it does not rely on memory. Consent will be sought from the research participants whereby upon accepting consent; the interview schedules will be administered through the use of pretested questionnaires. The interview schedules to be administered on the research participants will comprise of closed and open-ended questions. The closed-ended interview schedule questionnaires will be mainly used in collecting numerical data, whereas open-ended questions will be utilized to collect data regarding the participant’s perception of the topic as to whether crime victims should determine the sentencing of the perpetrators. Research enumerators will be trained five days prior data collection whereby they will be trained on data collection technique, contents of the interview schedule, purpose and objectives of the research. This would assure efficiency in data collection.
Participants
The participants to be included in the current research will comprise of various individuals. More importantly, the research participants will comprise of legal personnel such as lawyers, judges, and prosecutors. These personnel are well conversant with various issues pertaining sentencing. As such, they will offer critical insights and perspectives as to whether victims should determine the sentencing of perpetrators. In addition, the research participants will comprise of victims and perpetrators of crime. These cohorts have varied opinions on the current topic; hence, their views will be critical for the research. The research participants will be sampled and recruited using the snowball sampling method. Through the use of this method, one research participants will be sampled purposively such as a lawyer who will then direct the researchers to other target research participants such as victims and perpetrators. Other research participants will also help in directing the researchers to other prospective research participants. The research will use a purposive sample of 300 participants.
Sample Questionnaire (to be used in carrying out the interview)
- Are the current sentencing procedures appropriate? Yes No
- Should victim’s opinions influence sentencing decisions? Yes No
- Should each crime have a varying sentence? Yes No
- Does the criminal justice system offer justice for victims? Yes No?
- What is your opinion on perpetrator sentencing as applied in the criminal justice system; .
