NCJ Number
95603
Date Published
1984
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This pamphlet examines some of the issues and controversies in sentencing debates.
Abstract
The public's perception of crime is explored, and its demand that the streets be made safe is considered. It is noted that the criminal justice system heeds the public's wishes and concentrates almost exclusively on street crime; as a result, less effort is given to prosecuting individuals and companies responsible for occupational accidents that kill thousands and disable millions of workers every year. Characteristics of street-crime offenders are considered, and the disproportionate number of poor people in prisons and jails are noted. Imprisonment and alternative sanctions, such as probation and fines, are discussed, and the four purposes of sentencing are analyzed. The deterrence rationale for sentencing holds that persons will not commit a crime, because they fear the punishment they will receive if caught and found guilty. The incapacitation rationale contends that imprisonment prevents the wrongdoer from committing additional crimes during confinement. The rehabilitation rationale holds that the offender will be changed into a law-abiding citizen. Finally, the concept of retribution suggests that the criminal is punished for the harm done to individual victims and to society as a whole. Factors which prevent deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation, and retribution from working effectively are explored, and the possibility of using a combination of sanctions is suggested. A 19-item bibliography is included.