Discussion 1 corrections

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Apr 3, 2024

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Cesare Beccaria believed the “imposition of a sentence more severe than is necessary is ‘superfluous and for that reason tyrannical’” (p. 64). However, there has been much public concern regarding the appropriateness of punishment within the current correctional system. Overall, do you believe the public has a favorable or unfavorable view of the corrections system? Do you agree with them? Why or why not? Do you believe that our current practices are aligning with the true historical purpose(s) of corrections? Provide evidence to support your conclusion(s). In recent years, there has been public dissatisfaction regarding America’s policy on mass incarceration in the field of corrections. Incarceration rates have skyrocketed over the years due to policies and trends such as “tough on crime” policy, “war on drugs” initiative, racial injustice, and mandatory minimum sentencing among others that have led to undesirable effects. Mandatory minimum sentencing laws have allowed low level, nonviolent offenders to remain incarcerated for as long as high-risk offenders convicted of serious crimes. Additionally, statistics have shown that race is a factor when determining sentencing. In a study by McDonald & Carlson (1993), “sentences received by black and Hispanic federal offenders in guideline cases were harsher, on average, than those imposed on whites (p.2). These developments among others have led to an unfavorable view of the corrections system among the public. I do believe it is time for change and reform. When compared to other countries around the world, we have one of the highest incarceration rates. The numbers speak for itself. I think focusing more on rehabilitation is the right idea to solve some of the issues and should be considered in more cases than not. Most people sentenced to corrections are amendable. Historically, the purpose and sole function of corrections has been to render offender’s incapable of further harm while also providing for the public's safety by implementing incapacitation. The rationale behind the goal of incapacitation is that “some wrongdoers cannot be changed and need to be segregated from society” (Schmalleger & Smykla, p.39). Today incapacitation remains a part of the corrections system however, current correction practices appear to prioritize the offender over society. Retribution, deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation are often declared as the primary purposes of the corrections sector today. We are shifting towards a “smart on crime’ era that focuses on Evidence Based programs (EBP’s), alternative sentencing, and fairer sentencing with the purpose of deterring criminal behavior and reducing recidivism. Therefore, the shift from solely incapacitation to rehabilitation has changed the purpose from what America knew as corrections in the past. Resources McDonald, D., & Carlson, K. E. (1993). Sentencing in the Federal Courts: Does Race Matter?: the Transition to Sentencing Guidelines, 1986-90. US Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics. Schmalleger, F., & Smykla, J. O. (2021). Corrections in the 21st Century (9 ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

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