Forensics - Custodial sentencing Flashcards
1
Q
what is custodial sentencing
A
- decision made by a court that punishment for a crime should involve time in prison
2
Q
what are the aims of custodial sentencing
A
- deterrence
- incapacitation
- retribution
- rehabilitation
3
Q
what is deterrence
A
- unpleasant prison experience designed to put off the individual from engaging in offending behaviour
- general deterrence = broad message to society
- individual deterrence = prevent the individual from repeating the crime
4
Q
what is incapacitation
A
- offender is taken out of society to prevent them from reoffending
5
Q
what is retribution
A
- society enacts revenge for the offender to suffer
- level of suffering should be proportionate to the crime
6
Q
what is rehabilitation
A
- offenders should leave prison better adjusted to society
- give the offender a chance to reflect on their actions
7
Q
what are the psychological effects of custodial sentencing
A
Stress and depression
- suicide rates are higher in prison
- risk of developing psychological disorders
Institutionalisation
- adapted to the norms and routines of prison life may mean they cannot adjust to outside life
Prisonisation
- prisoners are socialised to adopt an innate code - encouraged inside prison
8
Q
what is recidivism
A
- tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behaviour
9
Q
what are the strengths
A
- offenders are likely to have a crime free life, access training in prison and can find employment
- offenders who take part in college education programmes are 43% less likely to reoffend
10
Q
what are the limitations
A
School for crime
- may pick up traits from other criminals
- reoffending more likely
- ministry of justice 119 prisoners killed themselves increase of 32% from the previous year
- average suicide of 1 every 3 days
Prison reform trust
- 25% of women and 15% men reported symptoms of psychosis
