NCJ Number
28522
Journal
Judicature Volume: 59 Issue: 2 Dated: (AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 1975) Pages: 72-77
Date Published
1975
Length
6 pages
Annotation
DISCUSSION OF INMATE ATTITUDES ON THE FAIRNESS OF JUDGES, (IN THEIR OWN CASE AND IN GENERAL), THE DETERRENT EFFECT OF HEAVY SENTENCES, THE JUDGE'S MAJOR JOB, AND JUDGES' UNDERSTANDING OF THE 'REALITIES' OF PRISON LIFE.
Abstract
THIS ARTICLE SUMMARIZES THE INTERVIEW RESPONSES OF 118 INMATES OF THE BORDENTOWN YOUTH CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION IN NEW JERSEY. THE MAJORITY INDICATED POSITIVE OPINIONS OF JUDGES, REPORTING THAT THEY WERE FAIR AND THAT THEIR MAIN ROLE WAS TO PROTECT THE DEFENDANT'S RIGHTS. HOWEVER, MOST ALSO REPORTED THAT JUDGES WERE UNKNOWING, UNAWARE, OR UNINTERESTED IN THE REALITIES OF PRISON LIFE. AREAS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM RECEIVING MORE NEGATIVE COMMENTS WERE LAWYERS IN GENERAL AND THE 'HORSETRADING' ATMOSPHERE OF PLEA BARGAINING. THE MAJORITY OPINION WAS ALSO THAT THE LENGTH OF PRISON SENTENCE HAS NO EFFECT ON THE COMMISSION OF CRIMES.