According to research conducted on 2,048 people in...

According to research conducted on 2,048 people in 131 of the country's cities by the 'Brasmarket SBT/HOJE EM DIA' institute between the 20th and the 28th of March 2002, 50.6% of University students are in favour of the death penalty and 39.8% are against. A similar poll conducted in 2001 by the federal university of Minas Gerais state (UFMG), showed the death penalty being rejected by a figure of over 90%.
The decision to unify state police to meet the needs of the peoples' growing sense of insecurity will take place within the next six years. It has the full approval of almost all the citizens (73%, with only 5% against the move) and depends on a decision taken by Parliament. The research data shows that although Brazilians on the one hand defend "extreme" measures, on the other they are more open and liberal in respect to drug related issues and flexible on the issue of disarmament. 52.2% want harsher punishments and 60.1% want to see lighter punishments for the possession of drugs and for those who use them.