The Efficacy of Deterrent and Punitive Measures.

The author reflects on a study by Dr. David Bierie on the efficacy of offender rehabilitation and punitive programs. He says that general opinion tends to favor rehabilitative over punitive measures, but the latter gains support from policy makers in the case of juvenile offenders. He notes the important implications of investigating whether physical prison conditions can have an impact on inmate violence. He also suggests that punitive measures are more likely to increase reoffending rate.