4.1 Custodial Sentencing

• Custodial Sentences?


  These are lengthy, as prison sentences aim to ensure that society has its retribution on offenders.

  Individuals are deprived of their liberty and society is protected, at least for the duration of the prison sentence.

  They provide retribution, deterrence, protection of society.

  Link relate to right realism, because they believe in a tough stance on criminal behaviour.
• Why is it effective?

  It is popular as there is a common view amongst society that justice needs to be carried out and prison ensures individuals are punished for crimes.
• Why is it not effective?

  It is not an effective crime control policy as reoffending rates are high. It is estimated that 57% of offenders re-offend within the first year so this suggests it doesn't work.

  It is also expensive. It is estimated that it costs 65,000 to imprison a person in a country once police, court costs and all other steps are taken into account. After this it costs a further 40,000 for each year they spend incarcerated.