NCJ Number
232915
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 34 Issue: 2 Dated: Fall 2010 Pages: 367-382
Date Published
2010
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article explores the incarceration rates for female drug offenders in Japanese correctional institutions.
Abstract
Japan is well known not only as a society with low crime rates but also for using incarceration sparingly, sending few convicted offenders to prison. Yet, certain crime, such as drug offenses, receive little leniency in the Japanese criminal justice system. Johnson (1996b) found empirical support for both chivalry and an "evil woman" effect in the system's treatment of female drug offenders. This paper reexamines and extends the core issues in Johnson's (1996b) exploration of women's imprisonment in Japan. It traces the patterns in female incarceration where data are available from the postwar period until 2004. It specifically examines the incidences of incarceration of women for stimulant drug offenses and identifies key correlates on the macro-level associated with changes in imprisonment practices. Figures, table, and references (Published Abstract)