NCJ Number
74067
Date Published
1980
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A reemphasis in 1956 upon the punitive intent of the new Swedish Penal Code has been accompanied by abandonment of the prison rehabilitation philosophy, a reduction in the use of long prison sentences, and a simpler and more predictable parole system.
Abstract
Although crime is best presented or controlled through general societal measures and imprisonment as a cure is inhumane and irrational, the time spent in prison should be spent positively in that certain offenders can benefit from treatment. The association of justice with traditional legal safeguards does not exclude attempts to create a more modern and just crime control system. Because imprisonment does not rehabilitate, efforts should be made to exchange long prison terms for short prison terms and short prison terms for punitive warnings (e.g., fines, warnings, and supervisory noninstitutional sentences). Crime can be held to a tolerable level and the prison population reduced at the same time by raising the risk of detection so that mere apprehension of the offender is a sufficient deterrent. Also, other penalties can be explored, such as 'home arrest,' brief terms of imprisonment, or mandatory reporting. The introduction of uniform sentencing practices and early discontinuance of parole after reappraisal of offender behavior are two other essential elements of a new penal ideology. No references are given.