NCJ Number
99877
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 49 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1985) Pages: 25-31
Date Published
1985
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study examines the effectiveness of various sentencing options (probation, fines, community-based alternatives, prison, and capital punishment) by the degree to which they achieve each of six sentencing goals: restraint, deterrence, rehabilitation, symbolic revival, retribution, and restitution.
Abstract
After examining the nature of and assumptions underlying each of the sentencing goals, the paper develops the view that the effectiveness of a sentence must be determined by whether or not it achieves or has a reasonable chance of achieving the sentencer's intended goal. Capital punishment, for example, is ineffective in rehabilitating the offender, but is totally effective in preventing the offender from committing any more crimes. The paper argues, therefore, that an official hierarchy of sentencing goals should be established as the basis for assessing the effectiveness of a given sentence. A chart depicts the author's assessment of the effectiveness of various sentences in achieving each of six corrections goals. Twenty-four references are listed.