Corrections

Relative Adjustment

Time Dimension – if we can lengthen the lag time between offenses, that is a success

Measurement Dimension & Orientation

• We use a dichotomous justice system indicator to measure the impact of our socio-psychological economic correctional treatment programs (a negative measure)
• We need to use a time-based, multi-variate social-psychological economic instrument to measure reentry success (a positive measure)

A Relative Adjustment Scale

Lose points (and the loss is greater over time) for:

• A dirty urine result
• A speeding ticket
• A shoplifting arrest

Get points for:

• living at the same residence for a certain time
• keeping your job for a certain time
• clean urine tests over a certain time
• earning your GED

Correctional Law

Wolff v McDonnell - inmates have the right to an institutional disciplinary hearing, written advance notice of the hearing and its purpose (habeas corpus right), to present evidence/witnesses/testify in their own behalf at the hearing, and a formal ruling is to be placed in their file

Morrissey v Brewer – added, parolees have the right to attend the entire hearing and hear the evidence against them, and to confront/cross-examine that evidence/their accusers

Gagnon v Scarpelli – added, probationers have the right to an attorney at probation revocation hearings

Basic principle - Further in the system, fewer legal rights

Correctional Law…continued

Wilson v Seiter - made it more difficult for inmates to

win unconstitutional conditions of confinement cases;

inmates must demonstrate specific unconstitutional

conditions of confinement, and specific intent on the

part of specific prison officials to maintain those

unconstitutional conditions

Pragmatic vs. Constitutional rulings