Longer prison sentences and “tough on crime” policies have pushed England and Wales’ justice system to the brink of collapse, according to a new report by the Independent Sentencing Review.
The analysis found that successive governments’ efforts to appear tough on crime have focused primarily on punishment, leading to an overwhelmed and ineffective system.
The review, led by former lord chancellor David Gauke, examined the factors that have brought the justice system to crisis point.
The report described longer jail terms as a “knee jerk” policy response aimed at demonstrating government action.
This approach has persisted despite an overall decline in crime since the mid-1990s.
The review highlighted how the “unstrategic manner” of increasing sentences over decades has overshadowed other important aims of sentencing criminals.
Key objectives like reducing reoffending and cutting crime have been neglected in favour of tougher sentencing policies, the report suggests.
The analysis revealed that England and Wales have one of the highest prison population rates in western Europe.
Gauke delivered a stark assessment of the current crisis, stating: “Last year we were confronted with the consequences of decades of haphazard policy making and underinvestment in the criminal justice system bringing it to the brink of collapse.”
He criticised politicians for operating “in a vacuum” by increasing sentences for individual crimes without considering wider systemic impacts.
“It is time to accept this does not deliver justice for victims, it fails them,” Gauke concluded.
With that in mind, is prison still the best way to teach criminals a lesson? Vote in the poll andhave your say in the comments below.