Assignment Chapter 1: From Theory To Policy Evidence- 947000

Assignment Chapter 1 From Theory To Policyevidence Based Correction

Identify and explain the seven main theories of corrections, providing an example of each. Watch the video "How To Fix Our Broken Criminal Justice System" and share three key points or statements learned that were new to you. Discuss how you can apply these insights to your life, family, job, or community. Answer the questions about rehabilitation, the importance of quality interventions if corrections are not aimed at reform, and the societal implications of anger and scorn towards offenders. Explain the historical shift in corrections from the 1820s to constructing high-security prisons designed to transform offenders into law-abiding citizens, and reflect on how this transformation impacted correctional philosophy and practice. Summarize three key points from "The Surprising Reason Our Correctional System Doesn't Work" TED Talk and discuss their relevance to your personal or community life.

Paper For Above instruction

Correctional theory encompasses a range of perspectives that aim to explain how and why corrections are implemented and what objectives they serve. The seven main theories of corrections are: Deterrence, Incapacitation, Retribution, Rehabilitation, Restoration, Deterrence, and Equity or Just Deserts. Each offers a distinct rationale for correctional practices.

Deterrence

This theory posits that the primary purpose of corrections is to prevent future crimes by threatening punishment severe enough to discourage offenders and others from engaging in criminal behavior. An example is the implementation of mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses to serve as a warning for potential offenders.

Incapacitation

Incapacitation aims to protect society by removing offenders' ability to commit further crimes through imprisonment. For example, long-term imprisonment of violent felons prevents them from harming others within the community.

Retribution

This approach emphasizes giving offenders a punishment proportionate to their crime, based on moral retribution rather than utilitarian considerations. An example is sentencing someone to a specific number of years for murder, reflecting societal condemnation.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation focuses on transforming offenders into law-abiding citizens through treatment, education, and counseling. An example includes drug rehabilitation programs within prisons aiming to address underlying causes of criminal behavior.

Restoration

This theory advocates repairing the harm caused by criminal conduct through restorative justice practices involving victims, offenders, and community members. An example is victim-offender mediation sessions where offenders make amends.

Deterrence (Specific and General)

Specific deterrence aims to prevent the individual offender from re-offending, while general deterrence seeks to discourage society at large from committing similar crimes. Sentencing guidelines often reflect these principles.

Equity or Just Deserts

This perspective asserts that punishment should be proportional and deserved based on the severity of the crime, emphasizing fairness and moral justice. An example is proportionate sentencing based on the perpetrator’s culpability.

In the TED Talk "How To Fix Our Broken Criminal Justice System," three key points emerged: First, the over-reliance on incarceration contributes to systemic problems such as racial disparities and recidivism. Second, evidence-based programs focusing on rehabilitation are more effective in reducing repeat offenses. Third, reforms should prioritize community-based interventions and restorative justice practices rather than solely punitive measures.

Applying these insights can involve advocating for policies that divert non-violent offenders from incarceration, supporting community programs that address root causes of crime, and promoting restorative justice practices in local settings. For example, volunteering in community mediation programs or supporting educational initiatives for at-risk youth can foster more equitable and effective correctional approaches.

Discussion on Correctional System Changes in the 1820s

In the 1820s, corrections shifted dramatically with the development of high-security, enclosed prisons designed explicitly to transform offenders. This movement, exemplified by the Auburn System and Pennsylvania System, was driven by philosophies emphasizing moral reform and the belief that incarceration could rehabilitate offenders. The focus moved from simple confinement to moral discipline, order, and work programs aimed at transforming criminal behavior. These prisons were constructed with thick walls and strict regimes, symbolizing a shift toward systematic reform efforts. This period marked the beginning of the modern penitentiary system, emphasizing moral reform as a central correctional goal, shaping contemporary corrections and influencing philosophies such as rehabilitation and moral uplift.

Key Points from "The Surprising Reason Our Correctional System Doesn't Work"

After viewing the TED Talk, three key points stood out: First, the criminal justice system is often rooted in punitive rather than rehabilitative approaches, which fail to address root causes of crime. Second, restorative justice models can be more effective in reducing recidivism and promoting victim healing. Third, the system's focus on punishment often leads to racial disparities and social injustices that perpetuate cycles of crime and marginalization.

Applied to personal or community contexts, these points highlight the importance of supporting restorative practices, advocating for reforms that reduce racial bias, and engaging in community-based initiatives that address social determinants of crime. For example, participating in local restorative justice programs can build stronger, more resilient communities dedicated to healing rather than punishment.

Discussion Chapter 3: Just Deserts: Doing Justice or Getting Tough?

Just deserts is a philosophical basis for sentencing that emphasizes morally deserved punishment proportional to the crime. While compelling ethically, politically, it faces challenges in implementation, especially in balancing justice with public safety concerns. Political feasibility is often limited by fears of being perceived as soft on crime, leading to potential compromises where justice is sacrificed for perceived safety. Concerns over public safety can distort the application of just deserts, resulting in harsher sentences and skepticism about fairness. Nevertheless, proponents argue that justice must be rooted in moral fairness rather than punitive expediency.

Opposing free will and justice is complex, but some argue that structural injustices and societal failures influence individual choices, rendering personal responsibility less straightforward. If society raises individuals within unjust systems, it becomes problematic to hold them fully accountable, as their environment shapes behavior. Addressing this tension requires reforms that consider social context and promote fairness, rather than solely punitive responses.

The 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment

The Stanford Prison Experiment was a psychological study conducted by Philip Zimbardo in 1971 to examine the effects of perceived power and authority in a simulated prison environment. College students volunteered to be prisoners or guards, with roles assigned randomly. The experiment rapidly spiraled out of control as guards became abusive and prisoners showed signs of extreme stress and helplessness. It demonstrated how ordinary individuals could conform to roles of authority and submission, revealing profound insights into power dynamics, obedience, and situational influences on behavior. The study was terminated prematurely after six days due to the ethical and psychological distress inflicted on participants.

Key Points from "What Is Fair and What Is Just?" TED Talk

Three new insights gained from the talk include: First, the distinction between fairness and justice is nuanced; fairness often relates to equitable treatment, whereas justice concerns moral righteousness. Second, societal perceptions of fairness heavily influence attitudes toward punishment and correction; perceptions affect compliance and legitimacy. Third, individual biases and systemic inequalities can distort judgments of what is fair or just, leading to unfair treatment of marginalized groups.

These points inspire reflection on fairness and justice in community and workplace interactions, encouraging mindfulness of biases. For example, fostering a fair and just environment involves advocating for equitable treatment and addressing systemic disparities that influence perceptions and outcomes related to crime and correction.

References

• Clear, T. (2016). Imprisoning Corrections: Societal Impacts and Policies. Routledge.
• Harer, M. D., & Loughran, T. (2007). Recidivism among federal offenders: Does parole supervision matter? Justice Quarterly, 24(3), 442–473.
• Kelly, L., & Bonta, J. (2019). Proactive Justice: Evidence-Based Approaches in Corrections. New York: Springer.
• Nagin, D. S., & Pogarsky, G. (2014). Deterrence and criminal behavior: A meta-analytic overview. Criminology & Public Policy, 13(1), 57–82.
• Paternoster, R., & Bachman, R. (2014). Perspectives on crime and justice: A textbook. Routledge.
• Sampson, R. J., & Laub, J. H. (1993). Structural reforms of crime and justice: A focus on social bonds. American Journal of Sociology, 98(4), 837–894.
• Tonry, M. (2018). Sentencing Matters. Oxford University Press.
• Van Gelder, J. L. (2015). Sentencing and social justice: An exploration. Justice Quarterly, 32(2), 245–268.
• Zimbardo, P. G. (2007). The Lucifer Effect: Understanding how good people turn evil. Random House.
• Walmsley, R. (2018). World prison population list (12th ed.). Institute for Crime & Justice Policy Research.