These poll numbers were released earlier today by
Rasmussen Reports -- "an electronic publishing firm specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information."
78% of Those Following Polanski Story Say He Should Go To Prison
One-out-of two Americans aren't paying much attention to the case of film director Roman Polanski recently arrested for the rape of a 13-year-old girl that he committed 32 years ago. But among those who are following the story somewhat or very closely, 78% say he should go to prison and just eight percent (8%) disagree.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 31% of adults say they are not following stories about Polanski very closely and another 20% are not following news about him at all. Forty-seven percent (47%) are following news reports about the Polish film director at least somewhat closely, with 17% following very closely.
Overall, among all adults, 51% believe prison is the correct destination for Polanski, but seven percent (7%) disagree. Forty-two percent (42%) have no opinion.
Polanski, best known for the film "Chinatown," was recently arrested in Switzerland on an outstanding warrant from Los Angeles and is now the subject of extradition proceedings to bring him back to the United States. He pleaded guilty to the 1977 rape but fled the United States out of fear that the judge in the case would send him to prison. Since then, he has continued to make films overseas and been a high-profile international celebrity. Polanski's surprise arrest prompted an outpouring of support from the Hollywood and international artistic community, but that has been muted in recent days with the retelling of the facts in the case.
The failure to arrest Polanski despite his high international visibility helps explain why 72% of Americans think celebrities get special treatment from the U.S. justice system. Only 15% think that system treats everybody about the same, while 13% are not sure.
Younger adults are even skeptical of the U.S. justice system than their elders.
Columnists Debra J. Saunders and Susan Estrich reacted strongly to the news of Polanski's arrest and those who have defended him thus far.
Most voters (69%) continue to believe American society is generally fair and decent. Only 21% see society as generally unfair and discriminatory.
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To view the original report, please use this link: Since When Is Child Abuse, OK?