Publication

This paper examines the evidence for the effectiveness of prison and programs in the community aimed at reducing re-offending. It lists some of the claims and counter-claims for whether “prison works”. The authors argue that custodial sentences are appropriate for the most serious offences, but not for less serious offences. Evidence indicates that short sentences for minor offences are less effective in preventing re-offense than alternative like community service. Additionally, harsher prison conditions increase re-offense rates and imprisonment in general seems to increase re-offence.