NCJ Number
86777
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 62 Issue: 2 Dated: (Autumn/Winter 1982) Pages: 52-57
Date Published
1982
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article discusses crime and justice in the People's Republic of China, emphasizing prison industries and their success.
Abstract
Two salient features of Chinese correctional institutions are a program structure strongly influenced by political ideology and a dedication to productive prison industries. In this developing Nation of approximately 1 billion people, crime is apparently under control, according to recently compiled statistics. Should a crime be committed, punishment is sure and swift. Nonpolitical offenders are tried publicly, and guilt or innocence in decided by a majority vote of a judge and two assessors (people's representatives). Appeals are permitted but are resolved promptly; all cases are decided on the facts and the law, and there is no rule of precedent. The American delegation visited two major adult correctional institutions -- the Biejing Municipal Prison and the Shandong Provincial Prison in Jinan. By far the most impressive aspect of these facilities was their heavy emphasis on industrial production. Prison industries in China are fully integrated into the national economy, and all prisoners who are physically able must work. Several incentives are designed into the system, including small monetary rewards and praise from the staff or merits recorded in the files. Sufficiently meritorious behavior and production may lead to a reduction in service term or to parole. Some attempt is made to bridge the gap between the institution and the outside society. The better inmate workers are sometimes taken on field trips to factories in the community. It is ironic that a socialistic society is developing a quasi-capitalistic approach to correctional administration rooted in prison industries.