Subjects

Careers

Open the App

Subjects

What Happens in Prisons and How to Make Them Better

Open

8

0

user profile picture

libby Moxey

1/30/2023

Psychology

Custodial sentencing

What Happens in Prisons and How to Make Them Better

The psychological impact and effectiveness of custodial sentencing explores the complex relationship between imprisonment, rehabilitation, and recidivism rates. This comprehensive analysis examines both the intended aims and unintended consequences of prison sentences.

Key points:

  • Custodial sentencing serves multiple purposes including deterrence, incapacitation, retribution, and rehabilitation
  • Research shows significant psychological effects including higher suicide rates and institutionalization
  • Employment and education programs demonstrate positive impact on reducing reoffending
  • Recidivism rates vary significantly between countries, with rehabilitation-focused systems showing better outcomes
  • Prison environment can potentially increase criminal behavior through negative peer influence
...

1/30/2023

395

Custodial sentencing
• custodial sentencing - punishment for a crime where the offender spends time in
custody or other closed therapeutic o

View

Psychological Effects and Recidivism

Custodial sentencing, while aimed at addressing criminal behavior, can have significant psychological impacts on offenders and may not always effectively prevent reoffending.

Research has shown that employment programs in prisons can have a positive effect on reducing recidivism rates. A study by Gillis and Nefekh analyzed data from Canada's offender management system, involving 23,525 criminals released over a seven-year period. The experimental group, which completed an employment program and had a job upon release, was less likely to reoffend compared to a matched control group without such support. Approximately 70% of the experimental group stayed out of prison, compared to only 55% of the control group.

However, custodial sentencing is associated with several psychological effects:

  1. Higher suicide rates in prison compared to the general population.
  2. Increased risk of psychological disorders developing after release due to the stress of the prison experience.
  3. Institutionalization, where offenders become so accustomed to prison life that they struggle to function outside of it.
  4. Prisonization, a process where offenders are socialized into the inmate code, potentially adopting behaviors that are acceptable in prison but problematic in the outside world.

Recidivism, or the tendency to relapse into criminal behavior, remains a significant challenge. Typically, about 45% of offenders reoffend within a year of release. However, reoffending rates differ between countries, with those focusing more on rehabilitation and skill development, like Norway, having lower rates (around 20%) compared to countries like the US (around 60%).

Vocabulary: Recidivism refers to the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend or relapse into criminal behavior.

Example: Norway's focus on rehabilitation and skill development in its prison system has resulted in a significantly lower recidivism rate (20%) compared to the United States (60%).

Highlight: Employment programs in prisons can significantly reduce recidivism rates, as demonstrated by the Canadian study where 70% of participants who completed such programs stayed out of prison compared to 55% of those who didn't.

Custodial sentencing
• custodial sentencing - punishment for a crime where the offender spends time in
custody or other closed therapeutic o

View

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Custodial Sentencing

When assessing the effectiveness of custodial sentencing, it's crucial to consider both its potential benefits and drawbacks. This evaluation helps in understanding the complex nature of imprisonment and its impact on offenders and society.

One significant concern is the high psychological cost of imprisonment. Evidence suggests that the prison experience can be demeaning, brutal, and devastating for inmates. In 2016, the Ministry of Justice reported 119 suicides in prisons, marking a 32% increase from the previous year. This alarming statistic indicates that the current prison system may have severe negative impacts that outweigh its intended benefits.

On the other hand, education and training programs in prisons have shown promising results in reducing recidivism. Many offenders have access to such programs, which increase their chances of employment upon release. A study by Shirley (2019) found that offenders who participated in education programs were 43% less likely to reoffend. This demonstrates a clear benefit of custodial sentencing when it includes rehabilitative elements, as it can decrease reoffending rates by providing offenders with opportunities to improve their lives and find purpose.

However, there's also a potential downside to placing offenders together in a prison environment. Drawing from the differential association theory, there's a risk that offenders may learn new criminal techniques from each other during their time in prison. Upon release, they might test out these newly acquired methods, potentially leading to further criminal activity and increased reoffending rates.

Quote: "If education and training is provided in prison, offenders will be less likely to reoffend because they are more likely to get a job after release."

Highlight: While custodial sentencing can have severe psychological impacts, including increased suicide rates, incorporating education and training programs can significantly reduce recidivism by improving offenders' employment prospects post-release.

Example: The study by Shirley (2019) found that offenders who participated in education programs were 43% less likely to reoffend, illustrating the potential effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts within the prison system.

Custodial sentencing
• custodial sentencing - punishment for a crime where the offender spends time in
custody or other closed therapeutic o

View

Negative Aspects of Prison Environment

The final page examines potential drawbacks of the prison environment, particularly regarding peer influence.

Highlight: The differential association theory suggests that placing offenders together may lead to increased criminal knowledge and subsequent reoffending.

Example: Prisoners may learn new criminal techniques from other inmates, potentially increasing their likelihood of reoffending upon release.

This analysis emphasizes the importance of considering both the benefits and risks of custodial sentencing in achieving its intended goals.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

Knowunity was a featured story by Apple and has consistently topped the app store charts within the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average App Rating

20 M

Students use Knowunity

#1

In Education App Charts in 17 Countries

950 K+

Students uploaded study notes

Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

Stefan S, iOS User

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

SuSSan, iOS User

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying

 

Psychology

395

Jan 30, 2023

4 pages

What Happens in Prisons and How to Make Them Better

The psychological impact and effectiveness of custodial sentencing explores the complex relationship between imprisonment, rehabilitation, and recidivism rates. This comprehensive analysis examines both the intended aims and unintended consequences of prison sentences.

Key points:

  • Custodial sentencing serves multiple purposes including... Show more
Custodial sentencing
• custodial sentencing - punishment for a crime where the offender spends time in
custody or other closed therapeutic o

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Psychological Effects and Recidivism

Custodial sentencing, while aimed at addressing criminal behavior, can have significant psychological impacts on offenders and may not always effectively prevent reoffending.

Research has shown that employment programs in prisons can have a positive effect on reducing recidivism rates. A study by Gillis and Nefekh analyzed data from Canada's offender management system, involving 23,525 criminals released over a seven-year period. The experimental group, which completed an employment program and had a job upon release, was less likely to reoffend compared to a matched control group without such support. Approximately 70% of the experimental group stayed out of prison, compared to only 55% of the control group.

However, custodial sentencing is associated with several psychological effects:

  1. Higher suicide rates in prison compared to the general population.
  2. Increased risk of psychological disorders developing after release due to the stress of the prison experience.
  3. Institutionalization, where offenders become so accustomed to prison life that they struggle to function outside of it.
  4. Prisonization, a process where offenders are socialized into the inmate code, potentially adopting behaviors that are acceptable in prison but problematic in the outside world.

Recidivism, or the tendency to relapse into criminal behavior, remains a significant challenge. Typically, about 45% of offenders reoffend within a year of release. However, reoffending rates differ between countries, with those focusing more on rehabilitation and skill development, like Norway, having lower rates (around 20%) compared to countries like the US (around 60%).

Vocabulary: Recidivism refers to the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend or relapse into criminal behavior.

Example: Norway's focus on rehabilitation and skill development in its prison system has resulted in a significantly lower recidivism rate (20%) compared to the United States (60%).

Highlight: Employment programs in prisons can significantly reduce recidivism rates, as demonstrated by the Canadian study where 70% of participants who completed such programs stayed out of prison compared to 55% of those who didn't.

Custodial sentencing
• custodial sentencing - punishment for a crime where the offender spends time in
custody or other closed therapeutic o

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Custodial Sentencing

When assessing the effectiveness of custodial sentencing, it's crucial to consider both its potential benefits and drawbacks. This evaluation helps in understanding the complex nature of imprisonment and its impact on offenders and society.

One significant concern is the high psychological cost of imprisonment. Evidence suggests that the prison experience can be demeaning, brutal, and devastating for inmates. In 2016, the Ministry of Justice reported 119 suicides in prisons, marking a 32% increase from the previous year. This alarming statistic indicates that the current prison system may have severe negative impacts that outweigh its intended benefits.

On the other hand, education and training programs in prisons have shown promising results in reducing recidivism. Many offenders have access to such programs, which increase their chances of employment upon release. A study by Shirley (2019) found that offenders who participated in education programs were 43% less likely to reoffend. This demonstrates a clear benefit of custodial sentencing when it includes rehabilitative elements, as it can decrease reoffending rates by providing offenders with opportunities to improve their lives and find purpose.

However, there's also a potential downside to placing offenders together in a prison environment. Drawing from the differential association theory, there's a risk that offenders may learn new criminal techniques from each other during their time in prison. Upon release, they might test out these newly acquired methods, potentially leading to further criminal activity and increased reoffending rates.

Quote: "If education and training is provided in prison, offenders will be less likely to reoffend because they are more likely to get a job after release."

Highlight: While custodial sentencing can have severe psychological impacts, including increased suicide rates, incorporating education and training programs can significantly reduce recidivism by improving offenders' employment prospects post-release.

Example: The study by Shirley (2019) found that offenders who participated in education programs were 43% less likely to reoffend, illustrating the potential effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts within the prison system.

Custodial sentencing
• custodial sentencing - punishment for a crime where the offender spends time in
custody or other closed therapeutic o

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Negative Aspects of Prison Environment

The final page examines potential drawbacks of the prison environment, particularly regarding peer influence.

Highlight: The differential association theory suggests that placing offenders together may lead to increased criminal knowledge and subsequent reoffending.

Example: Prisoners may learn new criminal techniques from other inmates, potentially increasing their likelihood of reoffending upon release.

This analysis emphasizes the importance of considering both the benefits and risks of custodial sentencing in achieving its intended goals.

Custodial sentencing
• custodial sentencing - punishment for a crime where the offender spends time in
custody or other closed therapeutic o

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Custodial Sentencing and Its Aims

Custodial sentencing refers to a form of punishment where offenders are required to spend time in custody or other closed institutions as a consequence of their criminal actions. This approach to criminal justice serves multiple purposes within the legal system.

The aims of custodial sentencing can be categorized into four main objectives:

  1. Deterrence: The unpleasant experience of imprisonment is intended to discourage criminal behavior. This operates on two levels: a) General deterrence aims to send a message to society that crime is not tolerated. b) Individual deterrence seeks to prevent the specific offender from repeating their crime based on their prison experience.

  2. Incapacitation: By removing offenders from society, custodial sentencing aims to prevent reoffending and protect the public. The duration and nature of incapacitation often depend on the severity and type of offense committed.

  3. Retribution: This aim focuses on the concept of punishment as a form of societal revenge. It operates on the principle that: a) The offender should suffer for their actions. b) The level of suffering should be proportionate to the offense committed. c) Prison is often viewed as the most appropriate option for achieving this goal.

  4. Rehabilitation: This objective aims to reform prisoners, with the goal of helping offenders leave prison better adjusted for life in society. Rehabilitation programs should provide opportunities for skill development, training, or treatment, allowing offenders time for reflection and personal growth.

Definition: Custodial sentencing is a form of punishment where the offender spends time in custody or other closed therapeutic or educational institution as a consequence of their criminal actions.

Highlight: The four main aims of custodial sentencing are deterrence, incapacitation, retribution, and rehabilitation, each serving a distinct purpose in the criminal justice system.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user