NCJ Number
73930
Date Published
Unknown
Length
31 pages
Annotation
The 1979-1980 annual report of the Howard League, a British organization devoted to penal reform, discusses achievements and problems of the British and Scottish penal systems during the year.
Abstract
The report notes that the message that most prison sentences do not need to be so long has been accepted by many people, from the Home Secretary downwards. However, it remains to be seen how many judges and magistrates will accept it in practice. In July 1979, a House of Commons motion in favor of capital punishment was rejected by a decisive margin of 119, a positive step according to the league. Several wasted oportunities are discussed in reference to special reports published without offering any recommendations for correctional reform in Great Britain. The Howard League believes that a combination of shorter sentences, fewer prison sentences, more noncustodial measures including reparation, and more emphasis on prevention, would be enough to produce a significant reduction in the prison population, which is at a record level of 90 prisoners per 100,000 population. A humane prison policy would have two components: the first relating to ordinary, daily prison life; and the second concerning procedures such as a proper grievance mechanism, to be used when problems arise in the system. The report also reviews working parties on various criminal justice issues, such as the dangerous offender and parole. Other areas reviewed are prisoners' correspondence, the league's activities and administration, a report on local branches, and the activities of the league in Scotland. Financial data are tabulated. Selected league publications and pamphlets are listed.