Thousands of prisoners are to be released early from UK prisons due to overcrowding. They will be ‘electronically tagged’, according to today’s Times, and subject to curfews. Provided they ‘ve been sentenced to less than four years these people could be released in just under 18 months.
Is this really hot news given that most prisoners will be released early anyway? A judge may peer over his or her half-moons and announce draconian- sounding sentences in sonorous tones but everyone in court from the juror to the offender knows they’re a charade. They’ll be out of prison in half the time specified if they keep out of trouble. It would be more honest and accurate to sentence them to just five years instead of ten in the first place . If they go on to behave badly in prison then increase the tariff. The incentive for good behaviour would still be there. Perhaps such a naked sentencing policy would perhaps be a bit too uncomfortable; clarifying exactly how much value we - as a society - now put on ourselves, each other and our property.
In the meantime ,what’s wrong with building an extra prison or two?

Labels: Upside down, maybe?

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