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Research on Actual Conditions of Convicted Prisoners of Heinous Offences Sentences to Long Term of Imprisonment (First Report)

NCJ Number
163152
Journal
Bulletin of the Criminological Research Department Dated: (1995) Pages: 10-12
Author(s)
H Shindo; M Kitayama; T Endo; T Yoshida; K Kodama; M Ichikawa
Date Published
1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Male offenders in Japan who received sentences of more than 8 years in prison were analyzed in terms of the characteristics of those considered to have less advanced criminal tendencies (Class LA) and those with advanced criminal tendencies (Class LB).
Abstract
The analysis focused on inmates who had committed arson, rape, homicide, or robbery and who were admitted to or released from prisons and other correctional facilities during 1993 or were inmates who had already served more than 10 years in five prisons during September and October 1994. The sample 208 admitted prisoners, 211 released prisoners, 165 LA prisoners, 243 LB prisoners, 149 inmates with limited sentences, and 224 inmates with life sentences. The analysis revealed that LB prisoners had worse treatment progress than LA prisoners, as indicated by their repeated rule violations. Inmates sentenced for life were better adjusted to prison life than those serving limited terms and had hopes and positive perspectives regarding their future release on parole. Those expecting release on parole tended to be better adjusted to life in prison than were others. Compared to LA prisoners, LB prisoners demonstrated less contact with the outside world as their time in prison passed. Findings supported two research hypotheses and partially supported a third.