NCJ Number
5399
Journal
JOURNAL OF CRIMINAL LAW, CRIMINOLOGY AND POLICE SCIENCE Volume: 63 Issue: 2 Dated: (JUNE 1972) Pages: 200-228
Date Published
1972
Length
29 pages
Annotation
A STUDY OF THE COURT'S EFFECTIVENESS AS AN INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISM FOR ASSURING FAIRNESS IN ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION-MAKING IN PRISON DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS.
Abstract
THE OBJECT OF STUDY WAS THE IMPACT OF A JUDICIAL DECREE, WHICH ESTABLISHED DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES AT THE RHODE ISLAND ADULT CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION. THE IMMEDIATE EFFECT OF THE DECREE WAS TO REDUCE THE SEVERITY AND THE ABUSIVENESS OF PUNISHMENT. HOWEVER, THE CURSORY MANNER IN WHICH THE HEARINGS WERE CONDUCTED WAS NOT AFFECTED BY THE DECREE. CUSTODIAL OFFICERS RESENTED THE DECREE, BECAUSE THEY WERE EXCLUDED FROM ITS FORMULATION. WHILE JUDICIAL SOLUTIONS MAY NEVER BE FULLY IMPLEMENTED, AS IN THIS CASE, AT LEAST THEY MAY SUCCEED IN ELIMINATING EXTREME ABUSE OR IN INITIATING INTERNAL ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM.