Development of Corrections Assignment

October 8, 2013

Morgan

Rottenbutcher

Corrections

Development of Corrections Assignment

Development of corrections has come a long ways. 2000 B.C to 1800 A.D this was the age of enlightenment. Confinement by using chains and jails before books were even invented. Greece was a great example of using a form of punishment.  The forms of punishment were not just for offenders, but to also use this practice to collect debt. If a prisoner was awaiting trail the higher ups would keep them contained somewhere like a tower, dungeon, and gaol. Most of these places were all over Europe. Between 1600-1800, corporal punishment was still in place while modern imprisonment was taking place. Even in this era punishment was not as simple as it is today. Things like flogging, branding for stealing, mutilation for eye for an eye, lingering death for the worst criminal offenders, exile ancient Greek and Romans would use, are types of punishment that are not use in America; however being used in some countries today like Saudi Arabia with still use flogging.

From 1800-1960 is a new age of punishments (prisons). Parole around 1800 and is current still being used especially in America everyday. In 1822, The Eastern State penitentiary was built for prisoners to be in solitary confinement. All these years and centuries went by, women housed with men until 1873 in Indiana State Reformatory. For the young men that were getting into trouble, the U.S came up with a system in 1876, which was called Elmira System, this was design for young men to be rehabilitated and put back out to society. Juvenile court was not established until 1899 for the juveniles who get tried as a young adult. In 1967 over-crowing in prisons was becoming an issue in America. The Deinstitutionalization era, this help produced halfway houses and job release programs for inmates that will soon be released. 1970- present is more modern these days’ prisoners are held responsible for their actions. If you commit a crime, there is no way of explaining your way out, you have to pay your debts and serve the time. Throughout the centuries crimes has been fiercer but the punishment is more humane. Are we to soft on the criminals, or the criminals are just to tuff for the correction system?

When it comes to community-based correction from the beginning, the earliest forms of leniency was know as sanctuary. The sanctuary was come in two forms, the nature of Christian beliefs, and neutral ground from criminal prosecution.  As for the offenders in the community; there became alternatives towards incarceration. The community tried to find ways to enhance reintegration back in the communities continue to evolve instead of being locked up. As communities grew throughout the centuries; and have increased numbers of opportunities for offenders to remain in society.  The probation option was a least severe sanction, only a phone call and or quick visit from the P.O (Probation Officer) were needed. The intensive supervision is just an enhanced version, just more contact throughout the week with the officer; and drug and alcohol screenings. Paying restitution and fines is another form of sanction, by paying off you debt with money. Community based services is normally conjoined with other community-based alternatives, possibly be done alone. Halfway house helps as a simple transition back into the community. Before being put back out into society from prison there are programs from within need to continue to be improved.