Ridiculous Sentencing

Ridiculous Sentencing

SLM

#31

Re: Ridiculous Sentencing

Nov 13th, 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by Goober

Pick a few stats and see how many more prisons we need.
Police-reported crime statistics in Canada, 2011
Police reported over 3,800 incidents of sexual violations against children in 2011. The rate of sexual violations against children rose 3% between 2010 and 2011, making it one of the few categories of violent offences to increase in 2011 (Table 5). Among the specific offences included in this category, the rate of invitation to sexual touching (+8%) and luring a child via a computer (+10%) increased, while sexual interference remained stable and sexual exploitation decreased 7%.
The UCR also captures data on incidents of child pornography, which encompasses publishing, distributing and accessing material. Police reported more than 3,100 incidents of child-pornography in 2011, 900 more than in 2010. The rate of child pornography incidents increased 40%, the largest increase of any Criminal Code offence in 2011. It should be noted that fluctuations in the rate of child pornography are most likely reflective of police-based programs and initiatives targeting this particular offence.
Police-reported crime statistics in Canada, 2011
Quote has been trimmed, See full post:

I think what you do is you make the "punishment" (incarceration period) fit the crime in a way that actually protects the public and build/open and close prisons accordingly. Does very little good, in my mind, to use statistics to argue for less prisons, for example, if the incarceration of those convicted of, again for example, sexual crimes against children is 5 years for a first offense. The recidivism rate is high for those type of crimes. The incarceration period is insufficient to prevent further crimes being perpetrated, which even if you subscribed to the rehabilitation angle of incarceration as opposed to punishment, argues for a longer sentence.

Goober

#32

Re: Ridiculous Sentencing

Nov 13th, 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by SLM

I think what you do is you make the "punishment" (incarceration period) fit the crime in a way that actually protects the public and build/open and close prisons accordingly. Does very little good, in my mind, to use statistics to argue for less prisons, for example, if the incarceration of those convicted of, again for example, sexual crimes against children is 5 years for a first offense. The recidivism rate is high for those type of crimes. The incarceration period is insufficient to prevent further crimes being perpetrated, which even if you subscribed to the rehabilitation angle of incarceration as opposed to punishment, argues for a longer sentence.

I see your point. But as the Stats show we would need a lot more prisons. Just check the rates for child molestation and violent sexual assault. How many are repeat offenders.
I am not saying in any way not to lock them up. I am saying the Govt - Liberal or Con or NDP - will not do it.

SLM

#33

Re: Ridiculous Sentencing

Nov 13th, 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by Goober

I see your point. But as the Stats show we would need a lot more prisons. Just check the rates for child molestation and violent sexual assault. How many are repeat offenders.
I am not saying in any way not to lock them up. I am saying the Govt - Liberal or Con or NDP - will not do it.

Crime statistics are part of the consideration, I'm not saying they aren't relevant, they're very relevant of course. But sentence reform needs to be a part of the package as well. As does preventative measures.

If we talk about reducing DUI as a crime, for instance, what are we talking about? It should be many things. First that offenders, a good percentage of whom may be inclined to offend again, are locked up for a sufficient period to prevent repeat offences at least in rapid succession. Second, we do a better job of identifying those who can be rehabilitated and work to get them rehabilitated. Third we teach our children (always starts with children) better, help them to grow up in a society where driving while intoxicated is abhorent to them.

I think the laws themselves pretty much cover the general needs of our society well enough. But it's the other parts of the whole package that need work.

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