NCJ Number
158674
Date Published
1995
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This article describes the prison systems and corrections policies in Ireland and Northern Ireland, noting that although they fall under different jurisdictions, they have many parallels, particularly their strong commitment to the use of imprisonment.
Abstract
Much of the emphasis on imprisonment stems from the conflict since 1969, although obviously less so in the South. Even in the South, past and current British sovereignty continues to influence responses to crime and punishment. However, the expenses of policing and the extremely high costs of prisons have prompted a reexamination of corrections policies. The British government also has an agenda of privatization and business management in corrections. In Northern Ireland, if the ceasefires hold and the peace process continues, the reduced number of new inmates will soon have a significant impact on costs. The peace process could also lead to the release of hundreds of long-term political prisoners. The prison system in the South has also been under economic scrutiny, raising similar prospects for civilianization and privatization. However, the South's penal crisis will not be addressed until policymakers and judges discover alternatives to prison and an accountable, independent prisons board is established. Figures, table, and 76 references