NCJ Number
62448
Date Published
1977
Length
22 pages
Annotation
ONE OF A SERIES OF PAMPHLETS DEALING WITH CRIME AND CRIMINALS DESIGNED TO TRAIN THE STUDENT TO BECOME A DISCERNING READER, THIS BOOKLET EXAMINES PRISON AND ALTERNATIVES FOR WHITE-COLLAR CRIME.
Abstract
THE OPPOSING VIEWPOINTS PAMPHLETS EXPOSE STUDENTS TO A WIDE RANGE OF CONFLICTING OPINIONS ON SOCIAL AND POLITICAL QUESTIONS WITH THE GOAL OF HELPING THE STUDENTS TO DISCRIMINATE BETWEEN FACT AND OPINION. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS PROVIDED DEAL WITH DISTINGUISHING PRIMARY FROM SECONDARY SOURCES, RECOGNIZING BIAS, AND LEARNING THE SKILLS NEEDED TO ANALYZE WHAT THEY READ. SHORT BIOGRAPHIES OF CONTRIBUTING AUTHORITIES ARE INCLUDED. CAREFULLY SUPERVISED PUBLIC SERVICE IS OFFERED AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO IMPRISONMENT FOR WHITE-COLLAR CRIMES. THE ALTERNATIVE PROPOSAL NOTES THAT IMPRISONMENT IS NOT NECESSARILY A DETERRENT TO CRIMINAL CONDUCT, COSTS MORE THAN OTHER METHODS OF PUNISHMENT, AND WASTES TALENTED HUMAN BEINGS. AN OPPOSING VIEWPOINT STRESSES THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DETERRENCE, THROUGH THREAT OF PRISON, PARTICULARLY IN WHITE-COLLAR CRIMES, AND NOTES THAT THESE ARE NOT 'NO FAULT' CRIMES AND NEED TO BE STIGMATIZED BY THE APPLICATION OF A UNIQUE SANCTION. UNEQUAL SENTENCING BASED ON EDUCATION OR SOCIAL POSITION UNDERCUTS THE GOAL OF EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER THE LAW. (RFC)