NCJ Number
14244
Date Published
1971
Length
285 pages
Annotation
TRACES VARIOUS EXPRESSIONS OF THE PUNITIVE OBSESSION UNDERLYING THE HISTORY OF PENAL LEGISLATION AND PROGRAMS, AND DRAWS LESSONS FOR FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN CORRECTIONS REFORM.
Abstract
PRISON AS A MEANS FOR PUNISHMENT THROUGH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL PAIN AND AN ATTEMPT TO HUMILIATE AND DIMINISH THE SENSE OF SELF WORTH IN THE OFFENDER IS SEEN AS THE PRINCIPAL AIM THROUGH MOST OF ENGLISH PENAL HISTORY. WHILE THIS THRUST HAS RECEDED WITHIN THE PAST 50 YEARS, THE AUTHOR CONSIDERS THAT FURTHER REFORM IS NEEDED. THE VIEW EXPRESSED IS THAT THE CORRECTIONAL SYSTEM SHOULD BECOME WHOLLY REFORMATIVE OR PREVENTIVE.