Inmate support for “flat-time” sentencing and related proposals: A research note

Fred Holbert, Vincent Webb

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Currently, a good deal of debate about the use of determinate sentences and attendant proposals is taking place within academic, legislative, and professional circles. This study examines these proposals in terms of the perceptions of prison inmates. Male inmates in a Plains State correctional institution were surveyed in order to determine the extent to which they support proposals for “flat-time” sentencing, “day to day” good time, voluntary treatment, and the elimination of parole. The majority of inmates supported all four proposals, although substantial variation in the amount of support exists across proposals. Variables that serve as indicators of inmate “self-interest” and inmate “experience” provide very little explanation for the variation in inmate responses. Iffuture behavior is consistent with the self-reported data presented in the present study, only limited negative reaction by inmates to the actual implementation of these proposals should be expected.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)101-106
Number of pages6
JournalCriminal Justice Review
Volume3
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 1978
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Law

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