NCJ Number
75892
Date Published
1979
Length
5 pages
Annotation
International rates of imprisonment for jail and prison inmates, both sentenced and unsentenced, are presented.
Abstract
The reports points out that although the Republic of South Africa may have the world's highest rate of imprisonment at 400 inmates per 100,000 population, many of these inmates are considered political prisoners. The Soviet Union is estimated to have a rate of 391, although the majority are also political offenders. On December 31, 1977, the U.S. rate was 208; since few of these inmates can be regarded as political offenders, this country is considered to have the world's highest rate of imprisonment for the common criminal. The rate for Great Britain in 1976 was 84; 86 percent were criminal prisoners under sentence; 8 percent were untried prisoners; and 4 percent were convicted persons awaiting sentencing. Other national rates include 56 for France in 1976; 54 for Denmark in 1977 (23 percent awaiting trial); 40 for Sweden in 1978 (a rate of 34 for those already sentenced); and 22 for The Netherlands, the world's lowest rate. A 30-country data table containing prison population numbers and rates is included. Data sources are identified.