NCJ Number
115408
Journal
Justice Report Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: (Fall 1988) Pages: 9-15
Editor(s)
D T Davies
Date Published
1988
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This report of the Special Committee of the Canadian Bar Association on Imprisonment and Release reports on the committee's work for 1986-88, committee process and proceedings, committee position papers, and future issues to be considered by the committee.
Abstract
The committee was formed to assist in the protection of the rights of minorities and the under-privileged vis-a-vis the Canadian criminal justice system. In its first year, the committee focused on position papers prepared by the Correctional Law Review (CLR), which addresses Federal legislation on corrections. The CLR papers have covered correctional philosophy, staff powers and responsibilities, offenders' rights, conditional release, victims and the correctional process, and the problem of native offenders. The Canadian Bar Association's Special Committee has decided to focus on alternatives to imprisonment, with special concern for native offenders, since they are disproportionately represented in prisons. A committee position paper on the imprisonment of natives argues that the problem lies in the broader conditions of native living that spawn criminality. The committee believes this results from natives' lack of control over their destiny and the diminished self-respect that ensues. The committee encourages increased efforts to negotiate self-determination for native Canadians. The committee reviewed other issues pertaining to the imprisonment of natives, including native control over correctional processes that affect them and a legislative scheme that recognizes natives as a disadvantaged group deserving particular consideration. Other summary papers pertain to inmate disciplinary courts, inmate transfers, the imposition of solitary confinement, parole and early release, and clemency procedures.