NCJ Number
121771
Date Published
1989
Length
37 pages
Annotation
This review of New Zealand prisons examines such justice issues as inmate rights and privileges, complaint procedures, segregation, offenses, and sentencing problems under the Criminal Justice Act of 1985.
Abstract
Privileges for New Zealand inmates currently depend on good conduct and constitute a management tool in controlling inmate behavior. It is recommended that inmate rights be expanded to include the right to vote and no limits on sending and receiving correspondence. Inmates should be allowed to have a say in their personal dress and appearance, subject to health considerations. Further, inmates should have privacy when visitors come and should have access to pay telephones. They should also have appropriate flexibility when they are temporarily released from custody. Inmate segregation should be administered on an equitable basis, when there is a real threat to security and order and when no other reasonable alternative is available. The informal resolution of inmate disciplinary offenses should be encouraged. Penalties, if warranted, include cell confinement, postponement of eligibility for remission, and forfeiture of earnings. Recommendations to address sentencing problems in the Criminal Justice Act of 1985 consider the effect of remand period on sentencing, the imposition of concurrent sentences, and supervision as a cumulative sentence. 2 references, 1 figure.