Understanding Criminal Justice
Carolyn Kinder
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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PUNISHMENT
It is difficult to determined the extent to which punishment serves to deter convicted offenders from committing further crimes. Studies into effectiveness of various forms of the treatment of criminals lead some researchers to the conclusion that nothing works. In a more positive light, available research studies seem to indicate that lenient penalties such as fines, probation, suspended sentences and severe measures are about equally effective in preventing future criminality. Accordingly, there has been an international trend away from custodial treatment. Short-term sentences are seen as particularly harmful because they tear the offender away from his family and occupation and expose him to criminal indoctrination in prison and to social isolation after his release. Long-term sentences are also viewed with growing skepticism, despite more than 150 years of prison reform, because of the adverse side effects of even the best institutions. These ill effects include acclimatization to prison atmosphere, association with prison subcultures, infantilism, mental illness, and in general a decline in fitness for responsible life in a free community.
