Punishment, Probation and Parole: Mapping out ‘Mass Supervision’ in International Contexts

Community-based penalties such as probation, electronic monitoring, and parole are the most common sanctions used in the punishment of criminalized individuals, but they remain a less studied feature of punishment research. Punishment, Probation, and Parole: Mapping a Path to Understanding seeks to fill this lacuna in knowledge and scholarship by bringing together a series of key conceptual papers by leading scholars that explore the various dimensions and forms of community-based penalties as they are constructed and experienced in different times and places, producing different socio-penal effects.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 14 December 2023
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

In numerous countries, community-based penalties like probation, electronic monitoring, and parole are the most commonly employed sanctions in the punishment of criminalized individuals. Despite their widespread application, these forms of penalization or punishment continue to be relatively less studied aspects of punishment research in contemporary times.

To address this gap in knowledge and scholarship, Punishment, Probation, and Parole: Exploring Community-Based Penalties emerges as a crucial contribution. Compiling a collection of insightful conceptual papers authored by esteemed scholars, the chapters delve into the diverse dimensions and manifestations of community-based penalties as they are constructed and experienced across different historical contexts and geographical locales, yielding distinct socio-penal outcomes. Addressing pressing debates and emerging concepts, this much-needed volume serves as a guiding compass for future researchers to explore and unravel the intricacies of community-based penalties in the field of punishment studies.

Probation, a cornerstone of community-based penalties, is examined in the first chapter. The authors explore the historical roots and evolution of probation, highlighting its significance as a rehabilitative and restorative justice approach. They examine the various models of probation, including traditional probation, supervised probation, and drug court, and discuss their effectiveness in addressing criminal behavior and reintegrating offenders into society. The chapter also explores the challenges and controversies surrounding probation, such as the risk of recidivism, the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, and the need for more comprehensive and evidence-based approaches.

Electronic monitoring, another prominent community-based penalty, is explored in the second chapter. The authors examine the technological advancements that have enabled electronic monitoring, including GPS tracking devices, ankle bracelets, and smartphone apps. They discuss the advantages and limitations of electronic monitoring, including its ability to monitor offender behavior, deter crime, and ensure compliance with court-ordered conditions. The chapter also raises concerns about privacy rights, the potential for abuse, and the need for robust oversight and accountability mechanisms.

Parole, a conditional release from prison, is examined in the third chapter. The authors explore the historical development and legal framework of parole, highlighting its role as a means of reducing prison overcrowding and promoting offender reintegration. They examine the criteria for parole release, the supervision and monitoring practices employed, and the challenges and successes associated with parole. The chapter also explores the interplay between parole and other forms of punishment, such as probation and electronic monitoring, and the potential for creating a more holistic and effective criminal justice system.

Community-based penalties are not limited to these three forms but encompass a wide range of practices and interventions. The fourth chapter explores the role of community organizations and social services in the implementation and administration of community-based penalties. The authors discuss the importance of collaboration between law enforcement, social services, and community stakeholders in addressing crime and promoting offender rehabilitation. They examine the challenges and opportunities for community-based interventions, such as diversion programs, victim assistance, and community policing, and their potential to reduce crime and promote social justice.

The fifth chapter examines the impact of community-based penalties on offenders and their communities. The authors explore the various socio-penal effects of community-based penalties, including their potential to reduce recidivism, promote offender rehabilitation, and enhance community safety. They discuss the challenges and barriers faced by offenders and their communities in navigating the criminal justice system and the importance of providing support and resources to facilitate successful reintegration.

In conclusion, Punishment, Probation, and Parole: Exploring Community-Based Penalties serves as a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding and improving the use of community-based penalties in the criminal justice system. By bringing together a diverse range of perspectives and insights, the book charts a path to fill the knowledge gap in the study of community-based penalties and provides a foundation for future research and policy development. As the field of punishment studies continues to evolve, this collection will undoubtedly remain a valuable contribution to the literature.

Weight: 469g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781837531950