NCJ Number
75814
Journal
Ditchley Journal Volume: 3 Dated: (Spring 1976) Pages: 38-57
Date Published
1976
Length
20 pages
Annotation
The proceedings of a British Conference on practical issues relating to the effective noncustodial treatment of offenders are reported.
Abstract
Issues considered by conference participants included (1) court latitude in choosing custodial and noncustodial sentencing, (2) alternatives to custodial sentencing, (3) public attitudes toward noncustodial programs, and (4) the nature of treatment programs. Legislation in Europe and North America has restricted judicial prerogatives in selecting custodial treatment methods. In remaining cases, pretrial assessments of defendants play a role in determining whether incarceration or another form of punishment will be chosen. Alternatives to incarceration include (1) fines, (2) use of community service, and (3) probation. Barriers to greater use of community service programs include concern over the program's impact on offender behavior and a lack of public acceptance. While noncustodial programs are generally less expensive than prison programs, they cannot be considered inexpensive. Savings do accrue through prisoner work in the community with resulting increases in family support. Public attitudes toward noncustodial programs have had most impact in the United states, where judges are often elected. Appointed European judges are less subject to this pressure. While humanitarian treatment strategies view restrictions on freedom negatively and punishment as undesirable, the concept of fair punishment for crimes committed remains pronounced both among average citizens and offenders.