Balanced Approaches in Correctional Policy

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[...] Balanced Approaches in Correctional Policy Deterrence theory, which forms a foundation of the correctional system, presupposes that punishment should be enough to deter individuals from pursuing criminal activity. Derived from classical criminology, this theory postulates that certainty, severity, and the speed at which the offender is punished all work to deter the offender (Becker, 1968). Analyzing the concept of deterrence theory, one can observe that this model has benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, it guarantees lower crime rates and economic expediency at the expense of rehabilitation approaches and punishment for offenders. [...]

[...] Such policies increase the prison rates of minorities, prolonging the cycle of injustice in society. - Ethical Concerns: Severe punishments cause moral and ethical issues regarding compatibility with human rights norms. Pure deterrence fails to conform to the principles of justice and fairness since it may impose severe penalties without regard to the offender's circumstances. Tonry (2011) talks about the use of punitive measures and the ethical theories and legal principles that raise the issue of justice for such penalties and call for the restoration of justice and reasonably just punishments. [...]

[...] - Cost Efficiency: Deterrent-based policies can also reduce crime and related costs in legal proceedings and incarceration. These policies lessen the rates of crime, thus the load on the criminal justice system, which ranges from law enforcement to trials and jailing services. Nagin (2013) elaborates that increasing the chances of arrests can reduce the pressure within the justice system, freeing up resources and directing them to other essential areas. Moreover, the prevention of recidivism due to the current strategies of deterrence prevents the costs of corrections from rising in the long run as the number of incarcerated offenders would be significantly lower. [...]

[...] Paul, B. (2013). On Crimes and punishments by Cesare Beccaria. Docs.school Publications. https://www.oboolo.com/philosophy-literature/literature/case-study/crimes-punishments-cesare-beccaria-620693.html Tonry, M. (2011). Punishing Race: A Continuing American Dilemma. Oxford University Press, USA. [...]

[...] T., & Jonson, C. L. (2016). Correctional theory: Context and consequences. Sage Publications. Helland, E., & Tabarrok, A. (2007). Does three strikes deter? ˜The œJournal of Human Resources/˜the œJournal of Human Resources, XLII(2), 309-330. https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.xlii.2.309 Nagin, D. S. (2013). Deterrence in the twenty-first century. Crime and justice, 42(1), 199-263. [...]