An analysis of the hold which prison has on the public imagination. Consideration of how that might be loosened by exploring the potential for a substantial reform of the system of penalties. This has expanded considerably in recent years. Its use has been spread unevenly throughout the world. There has been no proper evaluation of the issues involved, either in terms of principle or of practice.
Sufficient data is now available to carry out such an evaluation.
An objective analysis of the arguments for and against. An evaluation of different international experience to date, particularly the different models which have been adopted. An assessment of what is likely to happen in the future. Prison is sometimes used because the court is not satisfied that appropriate alternative community punishments exist. There is also a perception that community alternatives are a soft option.