NCJ Number
62399
Date Published
1978
Length
12 pages
Annotation
THE INCREASING LENGTH OF BRITISH PRISON TERMS IS EXAMINED, COMPARED WITH THAT OF SCOTLAND, THE NETHERLANDS, AND SWEDEN, AND AN APPEAL FOR SHORTER SENTENCES IS EXPRESSED.
Abstract
IN 1976, THE PERCENTAGE OF PRISON SENTENCES OVER 12 MONTHS (OMITTING LIFE SENTENCES) WAS 26.7 PERCENT, COMPARED TO 4.8 PERCENT IN 1938. THERE IS A NOTICEABLE INCREASE IN THE LENGTH OF PRISON SENTENCES FOR THE SAME OFFENSES BETWEEN 1960 AND 1970, IN SOME CASES ALMOST DOUBLING. THE INCREASE IN THE LENGTH OF PRISON SENTENCES DURING THAT PERIOD CAME WITH AN INCREASE IN THE CRIME RATE, LEADING TO THE CONCLUSION THAT SENTENCERS, AS WELL AS THE PUBLIC, BELIEVED THAT INCREASING THE HARSHNESS OF SENTENCING WOULD REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF CRIME. STATISTICS SHOW THAT THE LENGTH OF PRISON SENTENCES IN ENGLAND IS MUCH HIGHER THAN IN SCOTLAND, THE NETHERLANDS, AND SWEDEN. LONGER PRISON SENTENCES HAVE NOT BEEN SHOWN TO DETER CRIME OR REHABILITATE OFFENDERS, SO HUMANENESS AND EXPERIMENTAL INTERESTS, NOT TO MENTION COST FACTORS, WOULD ARGUE FOR AN EFFORT TO SHORTEN PRISON SENTENCES. THERE IS MUCH SUPPORT FOR THIS AMONG PENOLOGISTS AND SOME POLITICIANS, PARTICULARLY REGARDING SENTENCES IN THE LOWER-AND MIDDLE-RANGE. FOOTNOTES ARE PROVIDED. (RCB)