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Publications · Human rights and justice, Prisons

The Principles and Limits of the Penal System

Initiating a Conversation

  • ISBN: 978-1-905994-03-8

  • Published: 2007

  • Pages: 23

  • Publisher: The Howard League for Penal Reform

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The Principles and Limits of the Penal System

This collection of papers by the Commission on English Prisons Today sets out a basic framework and starting point for generating discussion by introducing four key themes: principles, limits, alternatives and emotions.

Over a period of two years this independent Commission looked at the driving forces influencing change and practice including legislation, politics and the media. It considered the principles, purpose and limits of a penal system and how it should sit alongside other social policy strategies.

The Commission held a number of consultation meetings, seminars, round table discussions with invited experts and received contributions form members of the public. The Commission visited prisons, community projects in the UK and abroad, including Norway, Finland, and the US.

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