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CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND THE TREATMENT OF OFFENDERS

NCJ Number
10925
Author(s)
J D MCCHEAN; J C WOOD
Date Published
1969
Length
344 pages
Annotation
REVIEW OF BRITISH TREATMENT FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS, YOUNG OFFENDERS, WOMEN, AND MENTALLY DISORDERED OFFENDERS.
Abstract
WHILE THE MAJORITY OF OFFENDERS ARE FINED, THERE EXISTS A BROAD SPECTRUM OF OTHER NON-CUSTODIAL MEASURES AS WELL AS A VARIETY OF TREATMENT INSTITUTIONS. THE AUTHORS DISCUSS THE USE OF MONETARY PENALTIES, PROBATION, AND THE BRITISH CUSTOM OF DISCHARGE. DISCHARGE CAN BE EITHER AN ABSOLUTE DISCHARGE - WHERE THE COURT BELIEVES MERE CONVICTION IS PUNISHMENT ENOUGH - OR A CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE - WHERE THE OFFENDER REMAINS UNSUPERVISED AND AT LIBERTY AS LONG AS HE COMMITS NO FURTHER VIOLATION. ALL TYPES OF OFFENDERS ARE SUBJECT TO IMPRISONMENT, BUT YOUNG OFFENDERS MAY BE SENTENCED TO LESS HARSH CONFINEMENT BEFORE REACHING THE STAGE IN THEIR CRIMINAL CAREERS WHERE INSTITUTIONALIZATION IS THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE. THESE MEASURES RANGE FROM COMPULSORY EVENING AND WEEKEND PRESENCE AT ATTENDANCE CENTERS NEAR THEIR HOMES TO A SET TERM AT A BORSTAL, A STRICT TRAINING SCHOOL. WOMEN ARE SUBJECT TO THE SAME TREATMENTS USED WITH THEIR MALE COUNTERPARTS. THE MENTALLY ILL OFFENDER CAN BE SENT TO A SECURE OR OPEN TREATMENT FACILITY.