NCJ Number
44971
Editor(s)
A G WHITE
Date Published
1977
Length
9 pages
Annotation
THIS UNANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY PROVIDES A BASIS FOR STUDY OF THE EMERGING CONCEPT OF RESTITUTION AS A CRIMINAL SENTENCE.
Abstract
OVERCROWDING IN JAILS, PRISONS, AND OTHER CONFINEMENT FACILITIES HAS FORCED THE CREATION OF NEW TECHNIQUES TO CONTROL CONVICTED PERSONS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REHABILITATE THEM. AMONG THESE TECHNIQUES, COUPLED WITH PROBATION, IS THE CONCEPT OF RESTITUTION. FINANCIAL RESTITUTION INVOLVES PAYMENT BY THE CRIMINAL FOR PROPERTY LOSSES, MEDICAL BILLS, ETC., TO THE VICTIM OF THE CRIME. SYMBOLIC RESTITUTION INVOLVES PERFORMING A PUBLIC SERVICE TO 'WORK OFF' THE 'DEBT' TO THE VICTIM OR TO SOCIETY. TWO OBVIOUS DRAWBACKS ARE THAT: (1) CRIMINALS MAY BE CONVINCED THAT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO BUY THEIR WAY OUT OF A SENTENCE; AND (2) THE REHABILITATIVE EFFECTS OF REQUIRING PAYMENT BY AN INDIVIDUAL WITH VERY LITTLE MONEY ARE UNKNOWN. RESEARCH ON THIS SUBJECT IS BEING CONDUCTED, AND THE BIBLIOGRAPHY OF LITERATURE IN THIS AREA IS EXPECTED TO GROW. THE ENTRIES IN THIS BIBLIOGRAPHY ARE LISTED BY AUTHOR. MATERIALS LISTED INCLUDE JOURNAL ARTICLES, COMMITTEE REPORTS, COURT CASES, AND BOOKS, MOST DATED FROM 1940 TO 1976.