NCJ Number
143146
Journal
Journal of Crime and Justice Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: (1993) Pages: 177- 188
Date Published
1993
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study examines State laws in all 50 States to determine the legally mandated purposes for the existence of State corrections agencies, focusing on whether rehabilitation or punishment or both is the main objective of corrections departments.
Abstract
Findings revealed the most common goal is rehabilitation, which is mandated by 41 States. Rehabilitation is also the main correctional goal in all regions of the country. However, nonrehabilitative goals are increasingly being enacted. In addition, the majority of States have multiple objectives. Half of all States prescribe custody and control as a correctional goal. Other goals are punishment (16 States), reintegration (15 States), and protection of the public (12 States). Deterrence is the least legislated goal, mandated by only four States. Results revealed that despite the increase in conservative rhetoric, rehabilitation is the leading goal. However, the correctional goals enacted more recently have tended to be more punitive. Southern States are more likely than others to prescribe punishment as a correctional goal. Future research should monitor trends in correctional objectives and determine whether they actually reflect current public sentiment within States. Tables, note, and 37 references