Title

The dynamics of penal reform

Authors

Authors

K. Lucken

Comments

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Abbreviated Journal Title

Crime Law Soc. Change

Keywords

Criminology & Penology; Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary

Abstract

Over the past two decades, a vast body of literature has developed that examines various penal reforms. However, several writers have argued this literature is empirically weak and theoretically overgeneralized. To advance the penal reform literature, it has been suggested that micro-studies informed by multiple theoretical frameworks be employed. This study responds to this call by providing a case study of intermediate punishment. Specifically, the study explores a reform's origins, operations, and outcomes, and how the motivations and activities of several control agents impact this process. A major finding associated with this reform effort is a ''piling up of sanctions.'' The ''piling up of sanctions'' exposes offenders to a number of punitive and rehabilitative controls, which often leads to violations and returns to the correctional system. To adequately interpret this and other reform process findings, several frameworks, including organizational, political economy, and professional ideology, are necessary. In particular, Cohen's (1984) notion of ''deposits'' is useful in describing the relationships that underly the reform process.

Journal Title

Crime Law and Social Change

Volume

26

Issue/Number

4

Publication Date

1-1-1997

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

367

Last Page

384

WOS Identifier

WOS:A1997XV59900004

ISSN

0925-4994

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