We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
PUBLIC ATTITUDES TOWARD CRIME AND INCARCERATION IN FINLAND.
- Authors
Ekunwe, Ikponwosa; Jones, Richard S.; Mullin, Kaley
- Abstract
The following paper provides insights into Finland's criminal justice system and discusses the policies that emphasize using prison for rehabilitation, not merely for punishment. These methods of prevention and rehabilitation, in conjunction with correctional and educational staff within and outside the prison walls, have contributed to consistently low recidivism rates in Finland. This study discusses many ideological similarities between public opinions towards criminals and crime in Finland and the United States. Like Americans, Finns are intolerant of crime and violence, yet open to the idea of alternative forms of punishment, especially for non-violent and juvenile offenders. People in both countries tend to believe criminals are not born into a criminal life and that societal factors play a role in creating criminal behavior. This study sheds light on both the public support for ex-offenders' rehabilitation in Finland and the extent to which Americans support alternative forms of punishment. It also provides a narrative of the disconnect between public opinion and what public officials think public opinion is.
- Subjects
FINLAND; FINNISH politics &; government; CRIMINAL justice system; IMPRISONMENT; LEGAL status of juvenile offenders; REHABILITATION of criminals
- Publication
Researcher: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 2010, Vol 23, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
0271-5058
- Publication type
Article