Punitive sanctions backfire by destroying the social bonds that enable desistance

Evidence

Critics of the more punitive policies and practices note that these criminal justice sanctions had potential unintended or collateral consequences (Alexander, 2010; Tonry, 2011; Western, 2006). The collateral consequences included reduced employment, educational, marital, political, social, and other opportunities that are potentially shuttered or partially attenuated as a result of contact with the CJS. These critics noted that the increased use of criminal justice sanctions might backfire and lead to increased offending due to the fact that the sanctions reduce the very social opportunities that are central to desistance from offending (e.g., employment, marriage). — Joseph Avery, Jim Sidanius, Joel Cooper, Gregory Davis, Amanda N., Bias in the Law, 1074 (#expands, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Sanctions targeting deviants can backfire by worsening the conduct of natural compliers. — Philip Pettit, Republicanism: A Theory of Freedom and…, 978; Punitive sanctions can backfire by destroying opportunities that enable desistance. — Joseph Avery, Jim Sidanius, Joel Cooper, Gregory Davis, Amanda N., Bias in the Law: A Definitive Look at…, 1074; Punitive drug sanctions may backfire by destroying desistance-promoting social opportunities — Joseph Avery, Jim Sidanius, Joel Cooper, Gregory Davis, Amanda N., Bias in the Law: A Definitive Look at…, 1074 (+2 more)

Broader Connections

• Punitive sanctions can backfire by destroying opportunities that enable desistance. #expands (0.92) — Joseph Avery, Jim Sidanius, Joel Cooper, Gregory Davis, Amanda N., Bias in the Law, 1074