Annotated Bibliography. Critical analysis. Law Essay.

The Impact of Punitive vs. Rehabilitative Measures on Recidivism: Implications for Criminal Justice Policy Decisions: Annotated Bibliography

Author’s Name

The Institutional Affiliation

Course Number and Name

Instructor Name

Assignment Due Date

Mungan, M. C., Aslim, E. G., & Lu, Y. (2024). Inmate assistance programs: Toward a less punitive and more effective criminal justice system. Alabama Law Review, 75(4), 863–896. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4163419

This source offers a theoretical inquiry to highlight the pathways from a rehabilitative programming to reduced recidivism and improved inmate outcomes. The researchers use a mixed-method approach involving critique of existing theories and empirical evidence, both converging to the point that the US criminal justice system needs a shift from punitive to rehabilitative justice. It is found that Inmate Assistance Programs (IAPs) equip the inmates with the skills they need for effective reintegration into society, aside from addressing psychological and behavioural aspects of criminal intent.

The researchers challenge the established theoretical assumptions of the cost of deterrence by alternatively serving loss aversion, future discounting, and impulsivity to justify the theoretical underpinning of IAPs, including social welfare programs for inmates. The study’s key strength lies in the use of a quasi-experimental design that offers an insightful comparison of deterrence across different states. However, it is notable that the researchers did not account for confounding factors while establishing conclusions such as local economic conditions, inmate-specific factors, and policing practices for the said period. The conclusion seems well-founded, which not only highlights the issues with long sentencing but also elucidates how shortening the sentencing can save costs that can be used to finance result-oriented IAPs.