Correction: An Overview
Corrections are an integral part of any society. Corrections involve interventions, programs, and practices designed to modify or redirect an individual’s behavior and reduce the likelihood of recidivism (reoffending). This article provides an overview of the various components of corrections, including the history, legal and ethical considerations, and the different types of corrections.
History
The history of corrections can be traced to the beginning of organized societies. Ancient societies often used harsh punishments, such as physical beatings, to punish wrongdoers and deter others from committing similar offenses. These punishments were often administered in public to send a message to the community about the consequences of breaking the law.
In the 18th century, a philosophical movement known as the Enlightenment resulted in the adoption of more humanitarian approaches to criminal justice. This movement led to the development of prisons as a form of punishment and the introduction of more humane methods of dealing with offenders, such as probation and parole.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
In the United States, the legal foundation for corrections is provided by the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees certain rights to those accused and convicted of crimes. These include the right to a fair trial, the right to due process, the right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment, and the right to be free from double jeopardy.
In addition to legal considerations, ethical considerations are also important in corrections. Ethical principles such as respect for human dignity, beneficence, and justice must be taken into account when determining the appropriate course of action for an offender.
Types of Corrections
Corrections can take a variety of forms, including probation, parole, incarceration, and alternatives to incarceration. Probation and parole are forms of supervision in which offenders are released into the community under certain conditions. Incarceration involves the physical confinement of offenders in a prison or jail. Alternatives to incarceration, such as house arrest, community service, and drug treatment programs, are also used in some cases.
Conclusion
Corrections are an important part of the criminal justice system. They involve interventions, programs, and practices designed to modify or redirect an individual’s behavior and reduce the likelihood of recidivism. Corrections must take into account both legal and ethical considerations in order to be effective. Different types of corrections, such as probation, parole, incarceration, and alternatives to incarceration, are used in different situations.
References
American Correctional Association. (2019). Introduction to corrections. Retrieved from https://www.aca.org/intro_corrections
Haney, C. (2006). The correctional subculture revisited. In M. Tonry & M. H. Moore (Eds.), Crime and justice: A review of research (Vol. 35, pp. 187-252). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Schmalleger, F. (2020). Criminal justice today: An introductory text for the 21st century (14th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.