Custodial sentencing

• what is custodial sentencing?

  this is when a convicted offender spends time in prison or a closed institution
• what is the aim of CS?

  deterrence, incapacitation, retribution, rehabilitation
• what are the psychological effects of custodial sentencing?

  stress and depression, institutionalisation, prisonisation
• what is recidivism?

  reoffending
• what are the problems with recidivism?

  prisons in the UK had offending rates over 70%. This is a stark contrast to Norway who had the lowest reoffending rates in Europe. This is because their penal institutions are more ‘open’, as there is greater emphasis placed on rehabilitation. Many people are very critical of the Norwegian model as it has a “soft sport” that doesn’t punish the inmates fully.
• what is the positive of custodial sentencing?

  opportunities for training and treatment
• positive - opportunities for training/treatment

  many prisoners have access to education whilst in prison. There is an increasing possibility of finding employment upon release. Treatment programmes may give offenders an insight into their behaviour, reducing the likelihood of recidivism.
• what is the negative of custodial sentencing ?

  prison may be a school for crime
• negative - prison may be a school for crime

  Incarceration with more experienced criminals gives younger inmates the chance to learn more criminal techniques. This undermines the attempts to rehabilitate prisoners, making reoffending more likely.