Who is culpable in fentanyl-induced deaths? A survey vignette investigating public perceptions of drug supplier culpability

Purpose

The fentanyl crisis has received national attention. In the current context, this study sought to assess whether public perception of criminal culpability varies by who supplies fentanyl to an individual who later dies from an overdose.

Methods

An experimental vignette of fentanyl-induced death scenarios was implemented by randomizing the relationship of the drug suppliers to the victims as well as race of both the drug supplier and victim. In total, there were eight scenarios.

Results

OLS regressions on a sample of 4820, found that respondents assigned a scenario where a drug dealer was the fentanyl provider (compared to a friend as the provider) were significantly more likely to support punitive action. There were no significant differences when the race of the drug provider and/or victim were randomized. Robustness checks confirmed these punitive attitudes towards drug dealers.

Conclusions

The public views drug dealers as more culpable in fentanyl overdoses. However, the race of both the drug supplier and victim did not impact perceptions of criminal culpability. During a national fentanyl epidemic, the findings have implications for public attitudes towards drug suppliers, public policy, and future research.