If criminal justice is a 'system' in England and wales, describe and Essay

If criminal justice is a 'system' in England and wales, describe and examine how the agencies within contribute to a rising population of predominantly males - Essay Example The rise in prison populations in England does not correspond to increases in the rates on crime; rather it is from an increase in the percent of offenders given custodial sentences and an increase in the average length on jail terms. The chief determinant of punishment should be the seriousness of the crime, and custodial sentences should not be used as a deterrent tool meant to jolt the rest of the populace; as it has failed miserably in the England criminal justice system. Of these prison populations, more than half are men serving sentences of four years and over with the rest jailed for six months or below (Home Office, 2004). The justice system in England has consistently used custodial sentences and longer jail terms. This has minimized the use of fines resulting in a swell, in the number of captives especially males, in the prison system. There is a predominantly large male prison population imprisoned, and it is necessary to understand some of the driving factors that leave more males behind bars. More than half the prisoners lacked employment prior to their imprisonment. Most offenders who are in prison have various mental illnesses with 78% males compared to 50% women having personal disorders (College of Psychiatrists, 2007). There is a higher likelihood of men without formal qualification, who have poor socio economic statuses that exposes them to ill health and poor financial status of committing a crime and ending up in jail (College of Ps ychiatrists, 2007). The number of sentences of older male prisoners aged over 60 years has increased gradually mostly due to increased sexual offences in this group. In 2001, 80% of this group was serving custodial sentences of more than four years, which was an increase of 55% to older males given custodial sentences (College of Psychiatrists, 2007). This increase in custodial sentencing for older males corresponds to an increase in an indictment of men. This