The Modern Prison System

• In 1985, a parliament committee called the gladstone committee said prisons should try to reform criminals while trying to deter them
• The separate system was abolished in 1922 to improve mental and physical health of prisoners
• When were open prisons introduced?

  1933
• Open prisons had greater freedom such as working outside. They were used to help prisoners to reintregate into society
• Modern prisons focused on education and social skills to reduce reoffending rate
• Alternatives for prisons in the 20th century

  • Probation - Criminal released from prison but frequently visited by probation officer
  • Well behaved prisoners released early on parole
  • Community service
  • Electronic tagging
• In 1908, juvenile courts were established, children being tried separately from adults
• Borstals were introduced to encourage children to reform. Young offenders were placed in borstals, which were similar to an extremely strict boarding school
• Borstals were abolished in 1982 and replaced with youth detention centers