NCJ Number
90604
Date Published
1980
Length
191 pages
Annotation
A series of articles and addresses by the author covers such topics as the pathology of and new horizons in Indian criminology, the administration of justice in India, capital punishment, and the creation of a humane and effective corrections system.
Abstract
The purpose of the law and the criminal justice system is seen to be the creation of a just society where all classes are equally protected and controlled under the law, with emphasis upon correction and the progressive establishment of social harmony. In analyzing the causes of criminal behavior, stress is identified as a major factor. This includes the environmental stress of urbanized living, the emotional and physical stress induced by overwork, and social stress produced by the competitive interaction with others in efforts to achieve higher status and increased wealth. Transcendental meditation is prescribed as the means for reducing the violent and predatory behavior stemming from stress and the consequent deterioration of the interior spiritual life. In exploring new horizons in Indian criminology, emphasis is given to the abolition of retributive and punitive approaches to sentencing and corrections to be replaced by an emphasis on the rehabilitation of the offender. Toward this end, capital punishment is opposed as being inhumane, irrevocable in cases of judicial error, and as being most often used against the poor and the oppressed. Details are provided on how the corrections system can be more effective in accomplishing the transformation of the offender from criminal consciousness to a higher consciousness. A subject index is provided.