The dynamics of penal reform

    Authors

    K. Lucken

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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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