Victim Narratives Boost Support for Eponymous Laws

Research shows emotional appeal can overshadow evidence-based policymaking

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A new study finds that when lawmakers name bills after victims of tragedy, public support surges, even if the policy itself hasn't changed. Researchers say this "lawmaking by anecdote" can result in ineffective or even harmful policies, as sympathy and emotion can outweigh rational evaluation of the legislation.

Why it matters

The findings raise concerns about "crime control theater" where emotionally charged cases lead to quick legislative fixes that may fail to address broader issues. Some eponymous laws, such as sex offender registries, have been criticized for unintended consequences like increased homelessness and recidivism.

The details

Across three experiments with over 670 participants, researchers found that adding a victim's name and story to a bill can dramatically increase public support, even when the policy itself hasn't changed. Sympathy emerged as a predictive factor, suggesting emotional reactions can overshadow rational evaluation of the policy.

  • The study was published on February 23, 2026 in the journal Psychology, Public Policy, and Law.

The players

Krystia Reed

JD, PhD, lead author of the study and researcher at The University of Texas at El Paso.

Grace Hanzelin

PhD, co-author of the study and researcher at The University of Texas at El Paso.

Rubi Gonzales

BA, co-author of the study and researcher at Northwestern University School of Law.

Melanie Fessinger

PhD, co-author of the study and researcher at Arizona State University.

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What they’re saying

“Our research shows that adding a victim's name and story to a bill can dramatically increase public support, even when the policy itself hasn't changed.”

— Krystia Reed, Lead author (Psychology, Public Policy, and Law)

“Victim narratives don't just make legislation more memorable – they make it more persuasive. Sympathy can drive approval, which means voters and lawmakers may prioritize emotion over evidence.”

— Krystia Reed, Lead author (Psychology, Public Policy, and Law)

“Stories are powerful tools in shaping public opinion. But lawmakers should be cautious. Support driven by emotion rather than substance can result in ineffective or even harmful policies.”

— Krystia Reed, Lead author (Psychology, Public Policy, and Law)

What’s next

Researchers call for greater scrutiny of eponymous bills and suggest that policymakers weigh evidence-based solutions over emotional appeal.

The takeaway

This study highlights the risks of "lawmaking by anecdote" where emotionally charged cases lead to quick legislative fixes that may fail to address broader issues. While victim narratives can help voters understand complex legislation, they also risk tipping the scales toward policies that feel right but don't work.