5.9. Custodial Sentencing

Question 1

Aims of custodial sentencing

Answer 1

• To deter people
• Incapacitation
• Atone for wrongdoing:retribution
• Rehabilitation

Question 2

To deter people:

Answer 2

Based on operant conditioning - punishment and removed freedom

Question 3

Incapacitation

Answer 3

Put violent offenders in prison to protect the public

Question 4

Atone for wrongdoing:retribution

Answer 4

• Justice needs to be seen to have being done
• The perpetrator needs to suffer based on the severity of offence

Question 5

Rehabilitation

Answer 5

• Re educate criminals (unlearn and relearn correct behaviour
• They’re in an institution- perfect opportunity to re-educate

Question 6

Psychological effects: stress

Answer 6

• Stress, depression and anxiety as well as self harm are a lot higher than the general population

Question 7

Psychological effects: brutalisation

Answer 7

Brutalisation is high in prisons, housing a lot of pro-crime people in prisons enforces a pro-crime lifestyle.

Question 8

Psychological effects: institutionalisation

Answer 8

Criminals become institutionalised where they might find it hard to function after being released.

Question 9

Psychological effects: de-individualisation

Answer 9

Loss of identity can lead to depression, self harm and even at risk of suicide.

Question 10

Recidivism:

Answer 10

45% of offenders re-offend within 1 yr of being released - questions the effectiveness of prison

Question 11

Strength: education

Answer 11

• Offenders that take part in college level education and higher are 43% less likely to re-offend
• Due to an increase in job opportunities

Question 12

Strength: opportunities

Answer 12

• Prison is an excellent opportunity to educate people as they are there 24/7
• Present many opportunities

Question 13

Weakness: differential association

Answer 13

• Housing criminals in a pro-crime community, people will pick up new methods and techniques to commit crime.
• Gang affiliation presents problems, give protection on the inside, but the affiliation continues on the outside in return for ‘jobs’ being done.

Question 14

Weakness: principles

Answer 14

• The principles of behaviour are not being applied correctly
• Punishment needs to be immediate to be effective
• It can take months/ years to be sentenced sometimes
• Therefore, they’re being punished for being caught