NCJ Number
80652
Date Published
1980
Length
15 pages
Annotation
In Great Britain, the idea of sentences as punishment for crimes committed has become more acceptable to those formulating policy, although those who enforce sentences have always known that imprisonment serves this purpose.
Abstract
A common myth, which is not supported by research studies, is that long prison sentences prevent crime by keeping criminals out of circulation. Relatively few offenders warrant prison sentences. The British Home Office is investigating the feasibility of instituting sentencing guidelines similar to those used in the United States. It is also studying aspects of judicial attitudes and practice, such as what sentencers hope to achieve in passing a particular sentence, what levels of punishment they consider appropriate in particular cases, etc. As a corollary to deciding on standards of punishment, research should focus on the subjective unpleasantness of different penalties and on the views of offenders themselves. The indirect consequences of imprisonment are often excessively and unconstructively punitive on almost everyone: the loss of a job, loss of family, and loss of all hope for the future. As a means of punishment, prisons are not very good. The community service orders in Great Britain exist as one alternative to prison. No references are given.