Programs for Criminal Reform in the People's Republic of China (From Comparative Criminal Justice: Traditional and Nontraditional Systems of Law and Control, P 490-505, 1996, Charles B Fields and Richter H Moore, Jr, eds. -- See NCJ-161138)

• NCJ Number: 161165
• Author(s): J C Jolley
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: Waveland Press, Inc.
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper examines China's efforts at correctional reform.

Abstract

Despite the significant changes that have occurred in all areas of Chinese life, especially in the urban areas, traditional influences remain strong in views about offender reform. This paper describes traditional views of human nature, with particular emphasis on the Confucian ideals of the basic goodness of people, the ability of moral teachings to reform deviance, and the responsibility of family and neighbors to create social harmony. The Chinese have traditionally favored informal social- control systems over the formal use of the legal system with its harsh realities as advocated by the Legalists. Four major approaches in reform are underway: local assistance and education, work-study schools, re-education through labor, and reform through labor. The fourth type is for serious offenders, who must, according to Chinese criminologists, undergo a process of destroying old thoughts and behaviors to create a new, "normal" psychological state. Reform for serious criminals is required; a part of this process is confinement, with a strong focus on education, self-criticism, labor, vocational training, and exercise and recreation. Low recidivism rates are believed to result from this approach. A 25-item bibliography