Policy Page

Historical Policy Positions

The American Society of Criminology has taken two official policy positions in the past, one, in opposition to the death penalty, and a second in support of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Official policy position of the American Society of Criminology with respect to the death penalty:

“Be it resolved that because social science research has demonstrated the death penalty to be racist in application and social science research has found no consistent evidence of crime deterrence through execution, The American Society of Criminology publicly condemns this form of punishment, and urges its members to use their professional skills in legislatures and courts to seek a speedy abolition of this form of punishment.”

Adopted in November 1989

Official policy position of the American Society of Criminology with respect to the Equal Rights Amendment:

In October of 1978, the ASC membership voted to endorse the Equal Rights Amendment. Unfortunately the official position statement of the Society regarding this matter has been lost.

Historical Executive Board Endorsements and Statements

Historical Executive Committee Endorsements and Statements