As the prison system is over burdened, judges are giving community Essay

As the prison system is over burdened, judges are giving community service sentences instead of imprisonment for minor non-vilent crimes. will this be good in the long run - Essay Example While prison sentencing cannot be avoided, it need not be given for all types of offenders. Those people who commit less violent crimes and are liable to receive a short term prison sentence should instead be allowed to engage in rehabilitation programs which would help them learn specific skills. Many research studies have revealed that such programs have helped in reducing the reoffending rates (National Probation service, n.d). Hence given the present scenario inclusion of minor non-violent offenders in prisons along with the violent criminals would not make their lives any better as it increases their risk of engaging in deviant behavior. Additionally, it would also add to the maintenance costs of the prison. Community sentencing was first introduce into the legal system in the year 1907 and was proposed as an initial punishment for low-level, non-violent; first-time criminals who do not pose any threat to the society at large and hence do not require imprisonment (Scottish Execu tive, 2007; Anderson, 1998; Jingyin, 2010; 121st International Training Course, n.d; Beijing Review, 2010; National Probation service, n.d). It is issued as an order from the court which requires the offender to perform the specified hours of unpaid labor and several judges have introduced several community service programs for the offenders (121st International Training Course, n.d). It is however, not largely viewed as an alternative to jail sentencing as those offenders who repeat their crime even after being sentenced to community service would be considered as suitable candidates for imprisonment (Scottish Executive, 2007). Community sentencing involves several requirements which are designed to punish, change and control the behavior of the offender thereby helping him to live a better life (National Probation service, n.d). Community service for petty crime offenders includes public maintenance work such as