Custodial sentencing

Deterrence

Deterrence aims to discourage offending. It prevents the individual from committing the crime again (individual deterrence) and warns society not to offend (general deterrence)

Incapacitation

Incapacitation protects the public by removing the offender’s ability to commit further crimes, usually by imprisoning them

Retribution

Retribution is punishment aimed at making the offender “pay” for their actions, giving a sentence proportionate to the harm caused

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation aims to help offenders change their behaviour through treatment, education, and skills training so they can re-enter society successfully

Stress and depression - effects

Suicide, self-harm, depression, and risk of developing psychological disorders

Institutionalisation - effects

When inmates become so accustomed to prison life that they struggle to function outside

Prisonisation - effects

Adoption of the prison's “inmate code” and acceptance of behaviours rewarded within the prison but unacceptable outside

Recidivism 

Reoffending after release

What was the recent UK one-year reoffending rate?

29%

Which countries have notably low recidivism rates and why?

Norway

due to emphasis on rehabilitation and access to education and skills.

psychological effects AO3

• limitation

• Bartol

• ‘brutal, demeaning and generally devastating’

• 25% women 15% men reported symptoms of psychosis

• 119 kill themselves in prison in england and wales

Counterpoint to psychological effects

• Confounding variables

• Many offenders may have pre-existing psychological issues before entering prison

Training and treatment AO3

• Strength

• Provides opportunities for training and treatment, helping offenders improve employability

• Offenders who do college programmes 43% less likely to reoffend

School for crime AO3

• Limitation

• Offenders may learn criminal techniques or become influenced by more experienced criminals

• Increases likelihood of reoffending after release