Sentencing Reform and Correctional Policy: Some Unanswered Questions (From Correctional Theory and Practice, P 271-288, 1992, Clayton A Hartjen and Edward E Rhine, eds. -- See NCJ-135949)

• NCJ Number: 135965
• Author(s): E E Rhine
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 18 pages
• Sale Source: Nelson-Hall Publishers
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

Future developments in sentencing reform will depend on how three issues are addressed: (1) whether sentencing policy should be linked to available prison capacity, (2) whether a concern for rehabilitation should and can be integrated within a sentencing model that emphasizes just deserts, and (3) whether and how parole boards should be retained.

Abstract

Sentencing philosophy and practice have experienced major changes since the mid-1970's, resulting in major impacts on corrections. From the Progressive Era in criminal justice through the start of the 1970's, every State and the Federal System relied on indeterminate sentencing structure. This shifted in recent decades to an emphasis on the just deserts rationale emphasizing retribution and the nature of the offense. These policies contributed to unprecedented growth in prison populations, and this trend is likely to continue well into the 1990's. Sentencing policies in individual jurisdictions are unlikely to affect total crime rates. However, future sentencing reforms may provide a sensible, just, and effective system of sanctions to the extent that they consider prison bed space to be a finite resource, restore rehabilitation as a justification for sentencing, and support the trend toward structured parole decisionmaking. 45 references