Home Incarceration: An International Alternative to Institutional Incarceration

Abstract

This work undertakes to examine the potential use of home incarceration as an alternative sentence. Beginning with a theoretical consideration of the purposes of sentencing, it proceeds to an examination of home incarceration in terms of both advantages and disadvantages. Advantages include a good degree of fit with other alternatives, potential for use at various stages of the sentencing process, ease of initiation by either offender or official, reasonable expectation of adoption, and a history of latent use. Problems include both legal questions and administrative issues. Close examination indicates that home incarceration is well worth investigating as a viable sentencing alternative.