NCJ Number
15106
Date Published
1973
Length
36 pages
Annotation
SURVEY OF CORRECTIONS PRACTICES AND THEORIES IN A QUESTION AND ANSWER FORMAT WITH SUGGESTED SOURCES FOR LOCAL INFORMATION.
Abstract
THE STAGGERING COST OF CRIME -- IN TERMS OF MONEY, TIME, AND HUMAN LIVES -- IS THE MOST OBVIOUS REASON WHY THE SUBJECT OF CORRECTIONS DESERVES THE FULL ATTENTION OF EVERY CITIZEN. ONLY AN INFORMED CITIZENRY CAN SUPPORT INNOVATIVE CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMS OR BE RECEPTIVE TO TRADITIONAL ONES. THIS PUBLICATION IS WRITTEN PRIMARILY FOR PRIVATE CITIZENS, CORRECTIONAL PERSONNEL, AND LEGISLATORS WHO WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT CRIME AND CORRECTIONS, AND WANT TO ACT ON WHAT THEY KNOW. THE PUBLICATION IS DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONS. THE FIRST IS DESIGNED TO HELP THE READER EXAMINE HIS OWN PERSONAL CONVICTIONS ABOUT CRIME AND CORRECTIONS. USING THREE SETS OF QUESTIONS, THE READER IS INVITED TO ARTICULATE HIS VIEWPOINTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES, MORAL WEAKNESS, UNJUST CRIMINAL CODES, IMPATIENCE WITH DEMOCRACY AND OTHER 'CAUSES' OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR. THE SECOND SECTION ALLOWS THE READER TO TEST HIS KNOWLEDGE OF THE SUBJECT, AND TO RE-EXAMINE HIS CONVICTIONS IN THE LIGHT OF FACTUAL INFORMATION. A SERIES OF FIFTEEN QUESTIONS ON THE CORRECTIONAL SYSTEM AND ITS EFFECTS ON OFFENDERS, THEIR FAMILIES AND REHABILITATION IS FOLLOWED BY ANSWERS AND EXPLANATIONS BASED ON CURRENTLY AVAIABLE KNOWLEDGE. THE CONCLUDING SECTION IS INTENDED TO HELP THE READER FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CORRECTIONS INSTITUTIONS AND AGENCIES IN HIS COMMUNITY OR STATE. THE 66 QUESTIONS PRESENTED ARE DESIGNED TO BRING OUT THE KIND OF INFORMATION WHICH CAN SERVE AS A SPRINGBOARD TO ACTION AND TO PROVIDE AN OVERVIEW OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS SO THAT USERS OF THE GUIDE CAN IDENTIFY THOSE PROGRAMS WHICH NEED THEIR SUPPORT OR HELP. (SNI ABSTRACT)