THE EFFICACY OF SENTENCING IN NIGERIA; A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF OVERCROWDING, RECIDIVISM, AND ALTERNATIVE SENTENCING MODELS
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Abstract
This Essay is centered on the efficacy of sentencing in Nigeria, it is common knowledge that the prison is used to deter certain persons that go against the law, it can be used as a means for those individuals to atone for their actions as well as protecting the society from the actions of that individual, when they are perceived as a danger to the public and themselves. The modern
Nigerian prison has sadly strayed far away from its original intent. The prison system is constrained with reoccurring problems, recidivism, overcrowding, abuse on the mental and physical health of the inmates when incarcerated, these issues seem to have the Nigerian justice system at a choke hold. A clear solutions to these issues is the utilization of alternative sentencing models like, probation, parole, community service, restorative justice, fines, and the likes. The justice system does not utilize rehabilitative programs to aid character development and transformation of the inmates. This Essay goes into further explanation of these alternative sentencing models as against the overused incarceration, which yields no result but rather seems to be a counterproductive measure in countering crime and rehabilitation. This study will look into the root of the problems of sentencing in Nigeria and how to curb the plaguing issues, as well as looking into other international jurisdiction to gain insight of the use of certain punishment and the outcomes. This essay is aimed at shedding more light in these areas as well as bringing long lasting solutions to sustain and improve the implementation of alternative sentencing models in the criminal justice system
Nigerian prison has sadly strayed far away from its original intent. The prison system is constrained with reoccurring problems, recidivism, overcrowding, abuse on the mental and physical health of the inmates when incarcerated, these issues seem to have the Nigerian justice system at a choke hold. A clear solutions to these issues is the utilization of alternative sentencing models like, probation, parole, community service, restorative justice, fines, and the likes. The justice system does not utilize rehabilitative programs to aid character development and transformation of the inmates. This Essay goes into further explanation of these alternative sentencing models as against the overused incarceration, which yields no result but rather seems to be a counterproductive measure in countering crime and rehabilitation. This study will look into the root of the problems of sentencing in Nigeria and how to curb the plaguing issues, as well as looking into other international jurisdiction to gain insight of the use of certain punishment and the outcomes. This essay is aimed at shedding more light in these areas as well as bringing long lasting solutions to sustain and improve the implementation of alternative sentencing models in the criminal justice system
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