aims+effects of sentencing-EVAL Flashcards
one ISSUE with custodial sentencing is that it has EXTREME psych effects on prisoners
Prison can be BRUTAL and distressing. SUICIDE rates are 9 TIMES higher among offenders than GENERAL public. 119 suicides in ENG+WALES in 2016. Those at most risk are young MEN committing within first 24 HOURS.
Prison reform trust found 25% of women and 15% men reported symptoms of PSYCHOSIS during their time in prison.
Therefore custodial sentencing is limited as it leads to DEVASTATING psychological effects and even SUICIDE.
HOWEVER some prisoners may have ALREADY had psychosis so this could mean that prison didn’t CAUSE it which is an issue with.
A STRENGTH of custodial sentencing is that its aim of REHAB reduces recidivism.
Rehab model argues prisoners should be given chance to become BETTER during theit time. Many access education and training and VERA institude suggests that those in prison that do a COLLEGE course are 43% LESS likely to re-offend.
Therefore this is a strength as rehab reduces recidivism which is the aim in the first place.
HOWEVER, one issue is that not ALL prisoners are OFFERED these opportunities as there is a LACK of funding.
Therefore the SUCCESS of custodial sentencing is DEPENDANT on it being AVAILABLE within the prison system.
one ISSUE with custodial sentencing is that PRISONISATION may lead to an INCREASE of offences once prisoners are released.
Prison gives younger inmates opportunity to spend TIME with OLDER hardened criminals who can TEACH them their tricks to form NEW criminal networks which they may follow upon RELEASE.
This is SUPPORTED by the slt as OLDER prisoners become ROLE models for YOUNGER prisoners and this MOTIVATES the younger inmates into IMITATING this behaviour.
Therefore a disadvantage of custodial sentencing is that it may lead to prisoners learning more criminal tricks and thus, more offences which goes AGAINST the initial aim.
one ISSUE with the aims of custodial sentencing is that there is DISAGREEMENT between the aims.
47% respondents to a POLL say the PURPOSE of prison is to PUNISH which links to DETERRENCE.
However many see prisons as too SOFT that would NOT deter offenders.
However 40% thought that prisons should be for REFORMATION and REHAB to help prisoners REINTEGRATE back into society which goes against the aim of DETERRENCE.
