NCJ Number
143297
Journal
Lay Panel Magazine Volume: 28 Dated: (April 1993) Pages: 3-5
Date Published
1993
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The debate over jailing violent young offenders in Great Britain versus probation and intermediate treatment in a noninstitutional setting is examined.
Abstract
On one side of the debate are those who believe that society should condemn more and be less understanding of violent youths who seem to have been numbed by greed and indifference to violence. Another aspect of the debate involves those who advocate being tough on crime while, at the same time, recognizing crime's social causes. Others suggest a rigorous deterrent regime, including corporal punishment in schools, hanging for murder, and the return of national service. Certain individuals blame the welfare state for a growing decline in parental responsibility and for the tendency of youth to join gangs. Nonetheless, available evidence indicates that all forms of juvenile detention fail except by the narrowest definition of keeping offenders off the streets. The idea that secure accommodation can assure good behavior after release is an illusion. Instead, effective educational programs are needed that begin at the preschool level and focus on rehabilitation versus punishment.