NCJ Number
89946
Date Published
Unknown
Length
10 pages
Annotation
By developing an integrated approach to criminal justice and penal reform that uses education, research, and social action, Britain's Howard League hopes to achieve reforms of lasting significance.
Abstract
Since issues requiring penal reform have changed little over the years, it is appropriate to reassess the way in which the Howard League, a British penal reform organization, operates in an effort to develop a means that might achieve more lasting reforms. The League is poised to develop three areas of activity: education, research, and campaigning. Each of these activities will include independent functions which also interrelate. The League will act as an educational organization by (1) contributing to academic discussion on all aspects of criminal justice and penal matters at the highest level, (2) providing a means whereby important issues are raised with practitioners and academics in the field, (3) raising issues in public debate, and (4) providing a specialized resource for those working in fields relevant to the League's interests. Means for achieving the foregoing objectives will include an annual lecture series, seminars, participation in educational activities, the further development of the library, and the use of the Howard Journal and other publications. In the area of research, two kinds of research projects are envisaged: long-term and short-term research projects. In the campaigning activity, the League will (1) monitor current affairs concerned with all aspects of the criminal justice system so as to react with speed and accuracy to important issues, (2) raise subjects for debate and propose changes in public policy, (3) raise issues in public debate which are neglected in public policy statements, (4) establish and maintain contact and conversations with all agencies with responsibilities in the criminal justice system, and (5) become an advocate in cases involving significant grievances against the criminal justice system.