Unit 4 AC2.3 Assess how forms of punishment meet aims of punishment Flashcards
What is the most serious punishment a UK court can hand down?
Life Sentences
Who decides whether to release an offender serving a life sentence?
The Parole Board
How long does an offender remain on licence after a life sentence?
For the rest of their life
How many prisoners were serving life sentences in 2018?
Around 10,000 prisoners
What percentage of the prison population do life sentences account for in Europe?
Around 14%
Are offenders automatically released after serving the minimum term of a life sentence?
No, they have no automatic right to be released
What is the mandatory sentence for those found guilty of murder?
Mandatory life sentence
Can discretionary life sentences be given for offenses other than murder?
Yes, such as rape
What is an indeterminate sentence?
It sets a minimum time the offender must serve in prison
Who decides whether to release an offender serving an indeterminate sentence?
The Parole Board
How many prisoners were serving indeterminate sentences in 2018?
Around 10,000 prisoners
What percentage of the prison population do indeterminate sentences account for in Europe?
Around 14%
What is a determinate sentence?
It is a sentence with a fixed length
Do all prisoners serve their full determinate sentence in prison?
No, in most cases, only a portion of the sentence is served in prison
What happens if the sentence is 12 months or more for a determinate sentence?
The offender is normally released halfway through the sentence
What happens if the sentence is less than two years for a determinate sentence?
The offender is released on post-sentence supervision for 12 months
What are suspended sentences?
The offender is given a prison sentence but does not go directly to prison
Can requirements be imposed on an offender receiving a suspended sentence?
Yes, such as entering drug rehabilitation programs
What happens if an offender commits a crime during the suspension period of a suspended sentence?
They will be sent to prison to serve their original sentence
What percentage of people convicted of serious offenses received a suspended sentence in 2018?
16%
Does imprisonment meet its aims?
Yes, imprisonment aims to punish offenders and restrict their freedom. However, its effectiveness is debated.
Is prison an effective deterrent for offenders?
No, the high rate of reoffending suggests that prison is not a strong deterrent.
How does prison aim to achieve reparation?
Imprisonment does little to facilitate reparation as few prisoners have opportunities to make amends.
What is the aim of retribution in punishment?
Prison aims to punish offenders by depriving them of their freedom and subjecting them to unpleasant conditions.
What is the aim of deterrence in punishment?
The aim of deterrence is to discourage potential offenders from committing crimes through the fear of imprisonment.
What are the factors that affect the effectiveness of deterrence?
Factors such as addiction, poor education, and mental health issues can limit the effectiveness of deterrence.
What is the aim of public protection in punishment?
Prison aims to protect the public by removing offenders from society and incapacitating them.
How does prison protect the public and incapacitate criminals?
By imprisoning offenders, prison prevents them from committing further crimes while also keeping them away from the public.
What is the aim of mandatory life sentences?
Mandatory life sentences are given to those found guilty of murder and aim to ensure appropriate punishment.
What is the aim of whole life sentences?
Whole life sentences are reserved for the most serious cases, ensuring that offenders are never released.
What is the aim of indeterminate sentences?
Indeterminate sentences set a minimum term that must be served before the offender’s release is decided by the Parole Board.
What is the aim of determinate sentences?
Determinate sentences have fixed lengths, allowing offenders to know the exact duration of their imprisonment.
What is the Prisoner’s Earnings Act 2011?
The act allows prisoners to contribute a portion of their earnings towards victim support services as a form of reparation.
Does imprisonment effectively enable rehabilitation?
Imprisonment is often limited in enabling rehabilitation due to challenges such as lack of education, training, and addressing addiction and mental health issues.
What are some challenges in achieving rehabilitation in prison?
Challenges include the lack of educational and training facilities, inadequate funding for anger management courses, and insufficient focus on addiction and mental health issues.
What is the aim of suspended sentences?
Suspended sentences allow offenders to avoid immediate imprisonment, provided they comply with specific requirements.
How does suspended sentences work?
Offenders receive prison sentences but do not serve them immediately. If they commit further crimes during the suspension period, they may be imprisoned.
How many offenders receive suspended sentences?
In 2018, approximately 16% of people convicted of serious offenses received suspended sentences.
What is the aim of rehabilitation in punishment?
Rehabilitation aims to reform offenders, address their underlying issues, and prepare them for a law-abiding life upon release.
What are the limitations of rehabilitation in prison?
Limitations include inadequate access to education, training, addiction and mental health support, and short sentence lengths.
Does Community Sentencing meet its aims?
Yes, community sentencing aims to achieve its objectives.
Does Community Sentencing meet its aims?
No, community sentencing does not meet its aims.
What is the aim of retribution in punishment?
Community sentencing achieves the aim of retribution through restrictions on offenders’ time and movements.
What is the aim of public protection in punishment?
Community sentencing protects the public by enforcing curfews, tagging, and identifying the whereabouts of offenders.
What is the aim of incapacitation in punishment?
Community sentencing does not achieve the aim of incapacitation to remove offenders from society.
What is the aim of reparation in punishment?
Community sentencing promotes reparation by involving offenders in unpaid work to repair damage and give back to their community.
What is the aim of rehabilitation in punishment?
Community sentencing aims to address the complex needs of offenders, such as homelessness, drug misuse, and lack of education.
Are community sentences effective in preventing reoffending?
Yes, community sentences are more effective than short prison sentences in preventing reoffending.
Are community sentences effective in preventing reoffending?
No, the number of community orders has decreased over the years, indicating a potential decrease in effectiveness in preventing reoffending.
What is the definition of community sentencing?
Community sentencing is given for offenses that are too serious for a discharge but not serious enough to require imprisonment.
What are the requirements of a Community Order?
A Community Order may include supervision by a probation officer, unpaid work, curfew, residency requirement, group programs, and treatment.
What is the purpose of supervision in community sentencing?
Supervision by a probation officer ensures the proper monitoring and guidance of offenders during their community sentence.
How does unpaid work contribute to community sentencing?
Unpaid work, such as Community Payback, allows offenders to give back to their community and repair any damage caused.
What is the significance of curfews in community sentencing?
Curfews impose restrictions on offenders’ movements, promoting accountability and compliance with the sentencing terms.
What is the role of exclusion orders in community sentencing?
Exclusion orders can be imposed to restrict an offender from entering specific areas, further protecting the community.
How do group programs contribute to community sentencing?
Group programs, such as anger management or substance abuse treatment, address specific needs and aid in the rehabilitation process.
What is the aim of treatment programs in community sentencing?
Treatment programs target issues like drug addiction and mental health to address the underlying causes of offending behavior.
Do Fines meet the aims of punishment?
Yes, fines meet the aims of deterrance and retribution
how do fines achieve retribution?
Fines impose a financial loss on the offender, requiring them to make sacrifices.
How do fines achieve deterrance?
Fines deter first offenders and signal the possibility of harsher punishments for reoffending.
What is the definition of fines?
Fines are financial penalties given for less serious offences. They are often handed out in Magistrates’ Courts.
Do fines effectively deter offenders?
Fines can be an effective deterrent, especially for first-time offenders who want to avoid further punishment.
Do fines meet the aim of retribution?
Fines contribute to the aim of retribution by imposing a financial burden on the offender.
What factors determine the size of a fine?
The size of a fine is determined by the offense, the circumstances of the crime, and the offender’s ability to pay.
What is the definition of discharges?
Discharges are given when the court finds someone guilty of a minor offense but decides not to hand down a criminal conviction.
What are the two types of discharge?
The two types of discharge are conditional and absolute/unconditional.
What is a conditional discharge?
A conditional discharge means the offender will not be punished unless they commit another offense within a set period of time.
What is an absolute/unconditional discharge?
An absolute/unconditional discharge means no penalty is imposed on the offender, usually because punishment would be inappropriate.
