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.