AC2.3 - Assess how forms of punishment meet the aims of punishment Flashcards
How does prison meet the aims of punishment?
+ Long sentences (public protection)
+ Anyone sentenced to less than 2 years will be released on license, meaning bail conditions will need to be followed as well as being supervised. (stops re-offending)
- Increase in number of people recalled (increased by nearly 1000 people)
- High re-offending rates and recall rates suggests prisons do not rehabilitate
How does Community Sentences meet the aims of punishment?
+ Individuals are punished by doing unpaid work and also paying/ giving back to society (links to reparation)
+ Almost 9% more effective at reducing one year re-offending rates compared to prison.
- In 2013 more that 3/4 of those sent to prison the previous year already had done community services
- Does not fully act as a deterrent as well as not meeting aims or rehabilitation
How does fines meet the aims of punishment?
+ Provides deterrence as well as punishment
+ Fines can be escalated if not paid (e.g. prison)
- 61% fines are written off if offender cannot be traced and it realistically will not be collected.
- Does not achieve retribution or deterrence, threat of prison also does not seem to deter people.
How does discharges meet the aims of punishment?
+ Conditional (for first time minor offences) aims to stop re-offending as well as deterring due to possibility of more serious punishment in future
+ Absolute (no penalty is imposed) as court believes the process of being arrested and going to court is enough to deter.
- Does not work for people who do not respect the system
