"Rack 'em, Pack 'em and Stack 'em": Decarceration in an Age of Zero Tolerance. Issue 2 (1st November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weatherburn, Don
• Is Part Of: Current issues in criminal justice. Volume 28:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 137
• Page End: 156
• Publication Date: 2016-11-01
• Subjects: prison -- crime -- sentencing -- parole -- public safety -- cost-benefit -- Australia; Criminal justice, Administration of -- Periodicals; Criminal justice, Administration of -- Australia -- Periodicals; Criminology -- Periodicals; Criminology -- Australia -- Periodicals; 364.05
• DOI: 10.1080/10345329.2016.12036065
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1034-5329

Abstract

Abstract: This article traces the recent history of prison population growth in Australia, discusses its causes, costs and benefits, and suggests ways in which the growth in Australian imprisonment rates may be contained or reversed without threat to public safety. Several options are discussed. They include abolishing short sentences, restoring discretion to the courts to set the relationship between the aggregate sentence and the non-parole period, giving Parole Boards greater discretion to deal with breaches of parole, reform of community corrections, and bail reform.