NCJ Number
103329
Date Published
1986
Length
140 pages
Annotation
In this text, a judge with 20 years of experience examines dilemmas inherent in both the liberal, rehabilitative and the conservative, punitive approaches to criminal justice and presents an alternative based on making offenders responsible for their behaviors.
Abstract
It is noted that while courts make criminals accountable, they rarely make them responsible. Pointing out that violent offenders should be incarcerated to protect society, the author emphasizes that most offenders are unglamorous property offenders who cost millions of dollars to incarcerate and who are made worse -- not better -- by the current system. In his own court, the author compels nonviolent offenders to present a complete rehabilitation plan usually including community service and restitution to the victim and rarely probation. In tailoring punishment to the crime and the criminal, the judge emphasizes that offenders must start being responsible to their victims, the community, and themselves. Describing this approach as a cost-effective and humane sentencing philosophy, the author notes that the public is tired of ineffective liberal attempts of dealing with crime and weary of the financial burdens of conservative lock-'em-up approaches. 12 notes, 2 references, and an index. (Publisher summary modified)