Correctional Methods

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses how proponents of a more complex criminal justice system believe that criminal sentences can do more than just punish offenders; they can actually help teach criminals how to conform to society's behavioral expectations. The paper discusses how incarcerated inmates experience very high rates of recidivism and there are enormous social costs in terms of society and the offender's family. Further, the paper shows that many offenders are required to participate in education or treatment programs, which are aimed at reducing their likelihood of re-engaging in criminal behavior and which reduce the negative impacts on their family and society.

From the Paper:

"Before one can understand how sentencing alternatives work, one must first have an understanding of the different type of sentencing alternatives available. First, it is important for people to have an understanding that alternative programs can be implemented before an offender ever comes before a judge. Responding officers have a tremendous amount of discretion whether to charge an offender, the level of the charged offense, whether to arrest, whether to divert offenders into probation, whether to arrest an offender or issue a summons. (Native American and Alaskan Technical Assistance Program, 2005). Therefore, it is important to understand that judges and prosecutors are not the only members of the criminal justice system who exercise discretion on offender sentences."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Jones, G. & M. Connelly. (2001) Prison vs. alternative sanctions: trying to compare recidivismrates. Retrieved October 31, 2006, from Maryland State Commission on Criminal Sentencing PolicyWeb site: http://www.msccsp.org/publications/altrecid.html
• Native American and Alaskan Technical Assistance Program. (2005). Project guide: alternatives to incarceration of offenders. Washington, D.C.: National Institute of Corrections.

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