NCJ Number
59379
Date Published
1979
Length
11 pages
Annotation
THE NEED FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE OFFENDER IN RELATION TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND ADOPTION OF A 'CONSUMER PERSPECTIVE' IS EXPLORED.
Abstract
SOCIETY ESTABLISHES ITS CONCERN FOR THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM THROUGH THE TRADITIONAL RATIONALES OF DETERRENCE, RETRIBUTION, OR INCAPACITATION; AND ITS CONCERN FOR THE VICTIM IN TERMS OF DEMANDING DIRECT COMPENSATION OR THROUGH EQUITABLE PENAL SANCTIONS. THE OFFENDER, THE PARTICIPANT IN THE SYSTEM, IS IGNORED. THE CRIMINAL OFFENDER IS COMMONLY VIEWED AS AN INDIVIDUAL EXHIBITING IRRATIONAL BELIEFS AND POSSESSING UNFAVORABLE ATTITUDES TOWARD THE LAW. THIS VIEW HAS SERVED, MORE THAN ANY SINGLE FACTOR, IN HELPING TO OVERLOOK THE 'CONSUMER'S PERSPECTIVE' AS AN AREA OF FRUITFUL INVESTIGATION. AS A CONSUMER OF A PRODUCT (LAW), OFFENDERS' VIEWS TOWARD THAT PRODUCT REQUIRE CONSIDERATION. THE INMATE PERSPECTIVE IS DEEMED PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT TO CRIMINOLOGISTS IN ORDER TO EFFECTIVELY REHABILITATE OR CONTROL BEHAVIOR. IN ADDITION, IF CORRECTIONAL GOALS COULD BE FORMULATED TO INCLUDE THE DESIRES AND INITIATIVE OF OFFENDERS, THE GOALS COULD BE MORE DIRECTIVE OF ORGANIZATIONAL ACTIVITY AND THE DISCREPANCY BETWEEN PURPOSE AND PRACTICE SHOULD DIMINISH. FINALLY, A NECESSARY PRECONDITION FOR POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL CHANGES IS AN ATMOSPHERE WHEREIN PERSONS FEELS ACCEPTED, UNDERSTOOD, AND SENSE THAT OTHERS ARE INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH THEM. FAILURE TO CONSIDER INMATE VIEWPOINTS, THEREBY PROHIBITING PARTICIPATION IN THE SYSTEM, RELEGATES INMATES TO THE ROLE OF SPECTATOR, CAUSING FURTHER FRUSTRATION AND CONTEMPT FOR AN IRRESPONSIVE SYSTEM PREDICATED ON UNILATERAL POLICY CONSTRUCTION. REFERENCES ARE INCLUDED. (LWM)