Analysis of Short Prison Sentences in Australia: A Discussion

This essay analyzes the effectiveness of short prison sentences in Australia, drawing on journal articles and digital video discussions to explore the topic. The analysis examines the ineffectiveness of short prison terms for first-time offenders, referencing research by the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research and other reports. The essay highlights the high cost of maintaining prisoners, the potential for offenders to become hardened criminals, and the need for sentencing reforms. The discussion also includes perspectives from the Supreme Court Judge, inmates, and researchers, exploring alternative solutions such as different sentencing options and community service. The essay concludes by emphasizing the need for effective ways to curb crime rates and reduce the increasing population of prisoners, advocating for a more cost-effective and rehabilitative approach to justice.

Jail Sentence in Australia
English Speech

Jail Sentence in Australia
Analysis
1. Journal Article
Carter, L. (2015, December 2). Short prison sentences 'as effective' a deterrent as
suspended senteces: report. ABC News. Retrieved September 18, 2017, from
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-02/first-time-offenders-no-more-likely-
to-offend2c-says-report/6995260
Carter (2015) reports about the ineffectiveness of short prison terms for first time
offenders in Australia. Using a convincing language, the author cites a research by the
New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research ( BOCSAR) which noted
that the increasing number of prisoners in Australia is as a result of these constant
violations. The purpose of this artilce is to provide evidence of the ineffectiveness of
the short prison sentence in correcting offenders.
The context of the article is within Australia as a whole although states differ in
sentencing procedures (Evershed, 2014). Placing an emphasis on effective justice, it
discusses this notion in the context of the BOCSAR findings. The author supports
reforms in the sentences as a solution for the increasing population of prisoners.
Sentences in Australia are too short. Questions about the effectiveness of this kind of
justice arise because chances of the convicts going back to the violation is high. This
perspective highlights the cost, benefit analysis of the imprisonment approach.
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Jail Sentence in Australia
The article analyses the cost of maintaining a prisoner on a daily basis as more
expensive because it fails to match up to its returns. From the author’s perspective,
spending $260 per day on a prisoner is a waste if there is no character change in the
offender. Other reports also note the high number of short-term imprisonments in
Australian state (Landy, 2015). The author terms this process a wastage of resources
and time because small offenders like drug addicts, and alcoholics become hardened
and worse criminals.
2. Digital Video
Rubinsztein-Dunlop, S. (2014, July 2). Stricter sentencing sees prison numbers soar.
abac.net. Australia. Retrieved September 18, 2017, from
http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2014/s4053054.htm
Rubinsztein-Dunlop (2014) reports that there are more prisoners in jail because of
the new trends in crime and punishment modules. The video discussion shows that
Australias high crime rate is the reason for the increasing rates of imprisonment. It
agrees that this is an expensive but neccessary operation. The article involves
different particpants for a wider perspective on the topic. Among them is the supreme
court Judge who points out that there are effective ways of mitigating the
consequences of crime in society.
Its conversational style documents a number of ideas in a subtle, affirmative
language. The question and answer approach clarifies a number of issues such as
alternative plans to counter the congestion effects. It gives the perspective from
different regions in Austalia such as Victoria and Malbourne. Experiences in these
states provide conlcusive remarks about the overall national prison conditions. It
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Jail Sentence in Australia
supports other research findings by the government, which indicate that 83% of
offenders commit the most common offences namely, sexual assault, unlawful entry,
drugs, homicide, and robbery as well as extortion (Australian Bureau of Statistics,
2011).
The discussion also includes inmates as part of the conversation and they give an
account of prison life and its effect on them as persons. Despite the fact that taxpayers
spend millions on some prisoners, they keep going back because of the exposure to
hradcore criminals in prison. The discussion also includes new reform ideas like
constructing prison cells and using costeffective approaches to dealing with non
violent offenders (Davis, 2011).
Part 2: Speech
Evidently, we all crave for justice. Prison institutions feel that putting people behind
bars shapes them into better persons thereby reducing the crime rate. However,
prisoners find solace in the company of fellow prisoners hence they harden their skin.
The result is an increase in the population rate of prisoners. This comes with high cost
of maintaining them in jail. This raises questions about alternative solutions as
effective ways to curb common crime rates. The increase in population despite the
introduction of corrective measures shows cracks in the justice system. A discussion
with the drug related offenders reveals the ineffectiveness of prison sentences in
reducing this crime rate. Why do short-term offenders prefer to go back to prison
despite its harsh conditions?
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Jail Sentence in Australia
Different opinions agree that it costs taxpayers money to maintain prisoners.
Researchers reveal shocking statistics about most prisoner being second time
offenders. As a result, organizations such as Families Against Mandatory Minimums
(2013) have come up with fresh ideas on how to deal with frequent offenders. Among
the suggestion is the use of different sentencing options, surpression of the crime
through rewards for reformed prisoners and community service. These are less costly
and may prove more effective in curbing the crime rates.
1. References
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2011, August 12). 4517- Prisoners in Australia,
2011. Retrieved from abs.gov.au:
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/0/B1BDF0A59F16AB85CA25795F
000DB327?opendocument
Carter, L. (2015, December 2). Short prison sentences 'as effective' a deterrent as
suspended senteces: report. ABC News. Retrieved September 18, 2017, from
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-02/first-time-offenders-no-more-likely-
to-offend2c-says-report/6995260
Davis, A. (2011). Are prisons obsolete? Seven Stories Press.
Evershed, N. (2014, August 2). Sentencing criminals: how Australias states and
territories compare. The Guardian. Retrieved September 18, 2017, from
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Jail Sentence in Australia
https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2014/aug/12/sentencing-
criminals-how-australias-states-and-territories-compare
Families Against Mandatory Minimums. (2013). Alternatives to incarceration in a
nutshell. Washington: FAMM. Retrieved September 18, 2017, from
http://famm.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/FS-Alternatives-in-a-Nutshell-
7.8.pdf
Landy, S. (2015, May 14). Convicted murderer jailed for just nine years in Victoria,
sentencing statistics Show. Herald Sun. Retrieved September 18, 2017, from
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/convicted-murderer-jailed-for-
just-nine-years-in-victoria-sentencing-statistics-show/news-story/
aa6aa3bd0cfd9a7ed77f6a72e7961c59
Rubinsztein-Dunlop, S. (2014, July 2). Stricter sentencing sees prison numbers soar.
abac.net. Australia. Retrieved September 18, 2017, from
http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2014/s4053054.htm
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