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Prison on Trial: A Critical Assessment

NCJ Number
125709
Author(s)
T Mathiesen
Date Published
1990
Length
184 pages
Annotation
This book explores the prison as a major type of punishment and sanction in modern society.
Abstract
Evidence is collected and examined from a wide range of sources to determine whether prison actually serves its intended function. A historical analysis of the prison is provided with emphasis on the intended functions of prison as punishment. Theories of punishment are described while making a distinction between punishment that is meant as social defence and punishment that is retributive. Literature is reviewed that discusses prison in light of theories of punishment. Conclusions are made that claim that prison does not satisfy any of the punishment goals and very few of the rehabilitation goals. Alternative purposes of prison are examined as well other theories of social defence and concepts of justice. The future of imprisonment is predicted.