*effectiveness of alternative punishments

Question 1

one reason why alternative punishments such as fines are effective is because the perpetrator is forced to pay for their actions.

Answer 1

This is because people can still be penalised but don’t have to be locked up.

This means that the government gains money rather than having to spend it to house a prisoner (around £36,000 a year).

Question 2

one reason why alternative punishments such as restorative justice is effective is because criminals are able to face their mistakes.

Answer 2

This is because the offender gets to see the consequences of their actions and accept responsibility for them.

This gives the offender a chance to reintegrate back into society and make better choices.

Question 3

one reason why alternative punishments such as CPOs are ineffective is because people often reoffend anyway.

Answer 3

This is because community based sentences are seen as a ‘soft’ option that doesn’t deter criminals.

On average, around 24% of those on CPOs reoffend within one year.

Question 4

another reason why alternative punishments such as fines are ineffective is because they aren’t harsh enough.

Answer 4

This is because fines don’t reflect the seriousness of the perpetrators offence and they are free to commit more crimes.

Also, if the person doesn’t pay the fine they could end up in prison anyway.