|
The imprisonment rate in Australia is at unprecedented high
levels, both interms of actual prisoner numbers and the rate at
which it is increasing. For the first time in recorded
history the incarceration rate in Australia has more than
doubled in less than 25 years. Prison is the harshest form
of punishment in our system of justice and imposes considerable
hardship on offenders. It also comes at a considerable
financial cost to the community. Accordingly, the surge in
prisoner numbers is a significant macro social, economic and
legal development. The increase did not occur pursuant to an
overarching strategic plan and is an area that is
under-researched. The prison population increase has arisen as
a result of a ‘tough on crime’ approach that continues without
any sign of abatement. The use of imprisonment should only be
increased if there is a demonstrable benefit to the community.
This article examines whether there is a sound rationale
behind the rising trend in prison numbers. The increasing
incarceration rate has coincided with a significant reduction in
the crime rate. A causal
connection between the two events (increased prisoner numbers
and reduced crime) could constitute a powerful argument in
favour of the surge in prison numbers. However, an
examination of the empirical data in Australia fails to
demonstrate even a tenable link between these events.
We also conclude that at the theoretical level there is no
rationale for the increased use of imprisonment. If the
imprisonment rate continues to rise, there is a risk of a prison
and financial crisis similar to that currently being experienced
in the United States, which has resulted in an extreme
counter-reaction in the form of a retrospective reduction of
some prison terms. |