NCJ Number
223081
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 48 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2008 Pages: 319-336
Date Published
May 2008
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Drawing on international developments in jurisprudence and criminal justice, this article examines the background to and wider significance of Ireland's 2006 law that allows prisoners to vote.
Abstract
The article first reviews international developments in voting rights for prisoners in the countries of Israel, South Africa, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In examining why the Irish Government introduced new legislation to permit prisoners to vote, there were no factors that often provide the impetus for new legislation. The public was not clamoring for it; the courts did not require it; and little political capital could be expected as a return. The impetus came from a variety of sources, including European jurisprudence, a lack of political and media opposition, and a desire among correctional policymakers to create civically responsible prisoners as an aspect of their rehabilitation. The concept of individual responsibility pervades prison-management discourse internationally and reflects the wider drive toward community responsibility that pervades crime prevention strategies. Voting is a tangible act of assuming responsibility for determining what individuals and policies will impact oneself, one's family, and the community in which one lives. Voting "embodies the most fundamental democratic principle of equality. Not to vote is to withdraw from the political community" (Putnam, 2000). Prisoners in Ireland had their first opportunity to vote in 2007. Although the number who registered to vote was small, the turnout was relatively high. 1 table and 51 references