evaluation of custodial sentences Flashcards
5 advantages
.punishes .reforms .protects public .serves justice .can get an education
5 disadvantages
.expensive .deprives of right to liberty .gang networks .often reoffend .taxpayer money for education
How do custodial sentences punish offenders?
The offender is made to face the repercussions of their actions and face consequences for their crimes. It offers the victim/family reassurance that they are getting justice and the offender is shown their actions are wrong
how is it positive that custodial sentences punish offenders?
It links to the retribution aim of sentencing which demonstrates society’s disappointment in their actions and shows that it isn’t acceptable to go on like that
How do custodial sentences reform offenders?
They take offenders off the streets and keep them away, and because prison is a deterrent, they are unlikely to want to go back so will be less likely to reoffend
how is it positive that custodial sentences reform offenders?
If offenders are reformed, they are less likely to reoffend meaning crime rates are lowered as well as prison populations
How do custodial sentences protect the public?
In keeping dangerous people away from the public, we are protecting society. Links to incapacitation as they are restricted from causing harm to others whilst inside prison
how is it positive that custodial sentences protect the public?
Means there is less fear amongst the public. Case example is the Yorkshire ripper and how women were in constant fear until he was found.
How do custodial sentences serve justice?
In giving an offender a custodial sentence, the punishment is proportional to the crime, meaning a murderer will not get a suspended sentence but a whole life tariff
how is it positive that custodial sentences serve justice?
It means that victims are given a sense that the wrongs they were done have been somewhat righted by making the offender pay for what they did. Restores public faith in the legal system
How do custodial sentences offer an eductaion?
Prisoners can study university courses and earn degrees so that they have qualifications to use when they leave prison in order to get a job
how is it positive that custodial sentences offer an education?
It links to rehabilitation. In educating, they are less likely to turn to crime and more likely to get a job and improve. Lowers crim rates and prison population
How are custodial sentences expensive?
Prisoners cost a lot to house and feed so therefore our prison system is very expensive to run. They need food and shelter and water etc like everybody else, all funded by the taxpayer
how is it negative that custodial sentences are expensive?
It means that housing a prisoner serving a whole life tariff will cost an awful lot of money as they are repeatedly being paid for every year and taxpayers are often reluctant for their money to go towards this
How do custodial sentences deprive your right to liberty?
The HRA states that we each have the right to liberty and freedom and to be free of imprisonment but custodial sentences go against this
