NCJ Number
117797
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 31 Issue: 2 Dated: (April 1989) Pages: 179-192
Date Published
1989
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The issue of the role of rehabilitation is discussed in light of various misunderstandings of the Report of the Canadian Sentencing Commission.
Abstract
It is noted that some of the debate on this topic has been reduced to the level of irrelevant arguments and quotations taken completely out of context. For example, some of those who apparently prefer to have sentences determined largely on the basis of rehabilitation have selectively quoted Robert Martinson in such a manner that ideas are attributed to him which do not reflect what he actually wrote. It is suggested that the debate should return to two separate questions: the principles that we feel should guide a judge's sentencing decisions and the providing of helpful programmes to sentenced offenders.