NCJ Number
100338
Journal
Corrective and Social Psychiatry and Journal of Behavior Technology Methods and Therapy Volume: 31 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1985) Pages: 116-125
Date Published
1985
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This paper presents and discusses biographical information and interview excerpts from a 1983-84 study of 131 life-without-parole (LWOP) inmates in an attempt to elucidate some of the long-term effects and potential costs of Alabama's Habitual Offender Act.
Abstract
Study results suggest that while the act will keep some criminals off the street and increase prison populations, it also may have very high social costs. Inmates interviewed revealed the following concerning the act: (1) most people do not think they will do anything bad enough to deserve LWOP, (2) the law does not deter because criminals do not believe they will be caught, (3) the law has the consequence of generating bitterness and breeding hate, and (4) the law increases the warehousing of inmates and therefore enhances the possibility of increased prison violence. Inmates also expressed the view that the law reduces the possibility of rehabilitating inmates sentenced to LWOP and that it may create a group of more professional and hardcore criminals who will leave no witnesses. The law's underlying social policy is questionable, its effectiveness dubious, and its costs high. 9 references.