NCJ Number
81249
Date Published
1980
Length
13 pages
Annotation
The position of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) of the Federal Republic of Germany is summarized.
Abstract
The SPD recognizes that criminality is an expression of social existence which cannot be explained as an exclusively individual phenomenon and therefore views criminal policy as a vital part of social policy. The SPD rejects the notion of retribution and espouses instead diversion, treatment, care, and education of offenders. In this view, rehabilitation is the only valid means of protecting society. Imprisonment must be avoided at all costs and even seriousness of crimes does not constitute grounds for denying probation. Alternatives to institutionalization are to be provided for offenders and more effective approaches to prevention sought for the protection of society. Especially programs for juvenile delinquents require redefinition and reorganization on the basis of the assistance concept. Since public attitudes are still ambiguous and politicians continue to call for retribution, a concerted public education effort is necessary. Excerpts from the official party position on criminal policy are appended. These include very specific proposals for juvenile detention programs with periods of social training. Individualized corrective measures allowing for individual differentiation and reflecting the seriousness of the offense are also advocated. Footnotes are provided.