RT Article T1 College students’ attitudes towards individuals convicted of a sexual offense JF Criminal justice studies VO 38 IS 1 SP 77 OP 91 A1 Lyons, Synari A. A2 Zgoba, Kristen LA English YR 2025 UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1928052258 AB The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of political ideology/orientation, personal experiences with sexual assault, and news source choice on college students’ attitudes towards individuals convicted of sexual offense (ICSOs). Research demonstrates public attitudes influence the actions of decision makers, thus increasing the importance that we understand public perception. In the present study, 121 college students completed a survey which included selected items from two attitude scales (CATSO & ATS-21) and multiple open-ended questions developed by the investigators. The study results did not support the hypotheses proposed in this study with respect to the influence of the attitudes of college students towards ICSOs. Findings were consistent with the results of prior research investigating factors that have influenced public attitudes. Suggestions are made for future research studying public attitudes and evidence-based decision making related to criminal justice policies and programs. K1 Public Opinion K1 Legislation K1 Perceptions K1 College K1 Sexual offense DO 10.1080/1478601X.2025.2480657