NCJ Number
165711
Journal
Crime, Law and Social Change Volume: 25 Issue: 2 Dated: (1996) Pages: 153-172
Date Published
1996
Length
20 pages
Annotation
The increasing detention capacity in the Netherlands is examined based on a literature review, with emphasis on the reasons for the increase and the implications for the future.
Abstract
The analysis notes that Dutch policy is reactive; capacity depends on the sum of detention sentences. The interaction between the judicial system and its political embedding leads to a continuous growth in detention capacity. This spinoff process is also active when crime is not increasing. As a result, continuation of this growth is likely. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether judges allow capacity to affect the length of the prison sentences they impose. If so, a spiral process is taking place. In theory, this spiral could go downwards, and a proactive government policy could lead to reduction in capacity. However, as it is not clear that this is the case, it is concluded that detention capacity could best be reduced by ad hoc measures such as legalizing drugs. Figures and reference notes (Author abstract modified)