Abstract
This chapter will examine Australia’s addiction to prison. It will commence by examining where we have arrived at in relation to our use of imprisonment, and why we must turn this around. In particular, it will consider the monetary and non-monetary costs of imprisonment, and the evidence on the crime prevention effects of prison. It will then posit what a new future in criminal justice might look like, drawing inspiration from recent development in the United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK). The role of the media, research on sentencing and public opinion, impact on victims, and the emerging case for justice reinvestment will also be considered.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | New Directions for Law in Australia |
| Subtitle of host publication | Essays in Contemporary Law Reform |
| Editors | Ron Levy, Molly O’Brien, Simon Rice, Pauline Ridge, Margaret Thornton |
| Place of Publication | Canberra, Australia |
| Publisher | ANU E Press |
| Chapter | 9 |
| Pages | 119-132 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781760461423 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781760461416 |
| Publication status | Published - Sept 2017 |
