NCJ Number
246479
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 54 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2014 Pages: 321-343
Date Published
March 2014
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This paper examines different ways used for measuring punitiveness and the need for establishing a generally accepted measurement of the concept itself.
Abstract
A review of research literature reveals that little work has been done on issues concerning the definition and measurement of punitiveness. This paper examines different ways that are used for measuring punitiveness and refocuses the need for establishing a generally accepted measurement of the concept itself. Following a review of the literature on the use of a multidimensional test for measuring punitiveness, the paper presents the results of a study of how punitiveness is assessed in three jurisdictions: Ireland, Scotland, and New Zealand. The study examined how punitiveness measures changed over a 30-year period (1976 to 2006) depending on how the concept of punitiveness was measured - using a unidimensional measure (prison rates), using a broader measure that incorporated more variables, and using a fully multidimensional test. The study found that over time, as unit of measurement of punitiveness changed, so too did each country's ranking for levels of punitiveness in their criminal justice systems. This finding suggests the need for establishing a measurement of punitiveness that is more inclusive and more generally accepted in the field of criminological research. Study limitations are discussed. Tables and references