NCJ Number
153658
Journal
European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research Volume: 2 Issue: 4 Dated: (1994) Pages: 101-116
Date Published
1994
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This analysis of prison overcrowding in Switzerland and other European countries concludes that the problem results from the length of prison sentences rather than from the number of persons entering the prison system and that the main problem now is to find an appropriate way to scale down sanctions.
Abstract
In Switzerland in 1988, 92.3 percent of the custodial sentences and 88.3 percent of the unsuspended ones were shorter than 6 months. However, 70.4 percent of the inmates serve sentences longer than 6 months. To address prison overcrowding, Pierre Tournier has suggested increasing the eligibility for parole. However, it is unclear whether this approach would reduce the incarceration. Judges might take the widened possibilities of parole into account when sentencing offenders. However, another solution would be a policy that would reduce all sentences. The guidelines approach used in the United States would be a means of accomplishing this goal while making court decisions more consistent and predictable. It is also clear that new sentencing policies should include consideration of the impact of changes on inmate populations. Figure and 32 references