NCJ Number
113747
Date Published
1988
Length
364 pages
Annotation
This report describes the results of a mail survey of 28 European countries regarding policies governing noncustodial sanctions, specific programs available as sentencing options, and their actual use.
Abstract
The questionnaire used by the Helsinki Institute for Crime Prevention and Control is described. The survey's findings are summarized under the following categories: criminal policy aims and ambitions regarding noncustodial sanctions, means to achieve these goals, legislated noncustodial alternatives, difficulties involved in these programs, their acceptability to the public, and effectiveness. Although governments express the desire to limit imprisonment and increase alternatives, the survey shows that noncustodial alternatives are insufficiently used in many countries. Moreover, they are often substitutes for other noncustodial sanctions rather than prison. Appellate reviews and other traditional means to guide sentencing practice have not proven adequate to correct these anomalies and inconsistencies. The reports of the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission and the Canadian Sentencing Commission are examined, and recommendations proposed.