AC2.3 Forms of Punishment

Question 1

Imprisonement strengths

Answer 1

-Long sentences achieve public protection.
- Anyone who has a sentence of less than 2 years is released on license, having to conform to bail conditions and supervision - helps aim of rehab and hopefully stop reoffending.

Question 2

Imprisonment weaknesses

Answer 2

• Has been an increase in number of people recalled to custody - increased by nearly 1000.
• High rates of reoffending and high numbers of those being recalled to prison could show prisons do not rehabilitate offenders.
  e.g. Anthony Ayres was released on license after serving 19 years in prison for murder, after 3 years he murdered someone.

Question 3

Fines strengths

Answer 3

• Main purpose is to provide deterrence and punishment for offender.
• Fines can be escalated if not paid - possible prison time can be given for non payment fines.

Question 4

Fines weaknesses

Answer 4

-Many fines can be written off (61%) if offender can’t be traced and no realistic change.
- Due to figures, fines are not effective method of achieving retribution or deterrence.

Question 5

Community sentences strengths

Answer 5

• Combines the aims of punishment & reparation with individuals being punished by working unpaid & also giving to society.
• Community sentences are nearly 9% more effective at reducing obeyer re offending rates compared to imprisonment.

Question 6

Community sentences weaknesses

Answer 6

• In 2013 more than three quarters of those sent to prison the previous year had already at least one community sentence.
• Suggests community sentences do not meet aim of rehab and doesn’t always act as a deterrent to not commit further criminal activity.

Question 7

Discharges strengths

Answer 7

• Can be conditional or absolute. conditional is used for first time minor offences and aims to act as a deterrent by having the cavate that if reoffending occurs a more severe punishment is given.
• Absolute discharge is rare but is when no penalty is imposed. court belies experience of arrest, court acts aa a deterrent enough.

Question 8

Discharge weaknesses

Answer 8

• This would not work for those who do not respect systems as they would likely be back in court for reoffending.