Forensics - Dealing with Offending Behaviour: Custodial Sentencing

Question 1

What are the aims of custodial sentencing?

Answer 1

The aims of custodial sentencing are deterrence, incapacitation, retribution and rehabilitation.

Question 2

Define deterrence in relation to crime

Answer 2

To put off both society and individuals from committing crimes

Question 3

Define incapacitation

Answer 3

To protect the public from the criminal

Question 4

Define retribution in relation to crime

Answer 4

Following the ‘eye for an eye’ philosophy but ensuring that the punishment is in accordance to the severity and type of crime committed.

Question 5

What does rehabilitation involve in relation to crime

Answer 5

Opportunities for training and treatment further reduce the rates of recidivism through addressing the distal cause of offending.

Question 6

What are the negative effects of custodial sentencing ?

Answer 6

Stress, depression, institutionalisation and prisonisation

Question 7

Why is institutionalisation a particular problem?

Answer 7

The monotonous and constant rhythm of prison life may impair the offender’s ability to adjust to normal life beyond the prison walls

Question 8

According to Constantino et al(2016), what percentage of women suffer from depression in prison?

Answer 8

7.5%

Question 9

According to Constantino et al(2016), what percentage of men suffer from depression in prison?

Answer 9

6.3%

Question 10

_______ has some of the highest recidivism rates in Europe.

Answer 10

Britain

Question 11

According to the Ministry of Justice, what percentage of criminals will reoffend within a year after release in Britain?

Answer 11

57%

Question 12

Why does Britain have some of the highest recidivism rates in Europe?

Answer 12

Due to an emphasis on retribution and the monotony of prison life

Question 13

Which country has one of the lowest European recidivism rates?

Answer 13

Norway

Question 14

What does custodial sentencing in Norway have a greater focus on?

Answer 14

greater focus on rehabilitation, as opposed to traditional punishment

Question 15

What are the limitations of custodial sentencing ?

Answer 15

• Prison does not affect each individual in the same way. The extent of the effect will depend on the dispositional traits of the convict, the length of their prison sentence, any previous experiences in prison and the type of prison in which they served previous sentences, and the number/gender of police officers. Custodial sentencing may be more or less effective for certain individuals, and so should not be viewed as a universally effective method of dealing with all types of offending behaviour.
• The use and favorability of custodial sentencing may be affected by political motives as suggested by Davies and Raymond. The majority of the public favours custodial sentencing as the main method for dealing with offending behaviour because society usually wants to see the criminal suffer and be remorseful for their actions. This may lead some political parties to focus on toughening up prisons and prison sentences in an attempt to please the public and appear as ‘tough on crime’. Despite this, custodial sentencing still produces high recidivism rates and so is not as effective as it is portrayed to be.