Course: Introduction
The Justice Model of imprisonment is a philosophy of criminal justice that emphasizes the punishment of offenders for their crimes rather than focusing on rehabilitation or reintegration into society.
This model is based on the belief that individuals who commit crimes should be held accountable for their actions and that the punishment should fit the crime.
Under the Justice Model, prisons are designed to be punitive and are intended to deter criminal behavior by making the experience of imprisonment unpleasant and uncomfortable. This may include harsh living conditions, limited access to educational or vocational programs, and restricted contact with the outside world.
The Justice Model is often contrasted with the Rehabilitation Model of imprisonment, which emphasizes the reform and rehabilitation of offenders to prevent future criminal behavior. Proponents of the Justice Model argue that the Rehabilitation Model is too lenient and fails to punish offenders for their crimes adequately.
Critics of the Justice Model argue that it is overly punitive and does not address the underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior, such as poverty, addiction, or mental illness. They argue that focusing solely on punishment can actually increase the likelihood of recidivism and further perpetuate the cycle of crime and punishment.
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Last Modified: 03/09/2023