NCJ Number
140745
Journal
Research Bulletin Issue: 30 Dated: (1991) Pages: 30-34
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Experimental schemes in four English magistrate courts showed that unit fines resulted in greater consistency in the amount offenders of similar means were fined and reduced the number imprisoned for payment default.
Abstract
The experiments were designed to test the feasibility of routinely obtaining and applying means information in setting fines, to measure the effect on fine enforcement, and to determine how many defaulters were imprisoned. Four magistrate courts in Basingstoke, Bradford, Swansea, and Teesside agreed to introduce unit fines on an experimental basis. Information was obtained on fines imposed 6 months before and 6 months after the experimental schemes were introduced, and payment and enforcement details were recorded for a period of 12 months from fine imposition. The impact of unit fines in 17 common offenses was monitored. The finding that unit fines made enforcement easier was underscored by changes in the number of defaulters imprisoned. For the cases monitored, there was a 15-percent reduction in the number of defaulters imprisoned. In addition, unit fines resulted in more consistent fines among people of similar means. It was also determined that deductions of fines at the source from income support benefits may reduce the number imprisoned for default. 9 references