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Alarms and Excursions: Rhetorical Space in Criminal Justice

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Probation and Politics

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Abstract

Probation through a critical looking glass; part personal history, part prison history, and part activism to bring about changes in criminal justice. Researching prison biographies (1830 –1990) reinforced both a philosophical rejection of the punitive prison and a search for working alternatives. The symbolism of victim neglect and the possibilities of mediation between victims and those who offend against them are explored as parts of a proposed system of positive justice. Probation day centres in England and Wales, and day reporting centres in the United States represent institutional alternatives to prison based on respect for individuals; the delivery of education, health, and other services in the community; and the pursuit of self-determining, contributing citizenship. Propositions for a restored probation service are set out. Personal risk management and positive self change, assisted by significant others and the use of cognitive techniques are seen as keys to desistance.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Student 1962–1964.

  2. 2.

    Probation Officer 1964–1966.

  3. 3.

    PWO 1966–1968. (Probation assumed this role in 1966.)

  4. 4.

    The French title (un-translatable) is preferred to the English.

  5. 5.

    National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders. Regional Organizer 1968–1971. Post funded by The Pilgrim Trust.

  6. 6.

    Secretary of the Howard League and pioneer advocate of compensation for crime victims. Her attempts to get funding for a ‘modest study’ of victim problems met ‘closed doors and deaf ears’ (ditto).

  7. 7.

    Home Office-funded project based in UCL Department of Psychology. Principal Researcher 1974–1978.

  8. 8.

    Melanie Phillips. Guardian (05 December 1977).

  9. 9.

    Later published by Routledge (Priestley and McGuire et al. 1984).

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bristol, UK

    Philip Priestley

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  1. Philip Priestley
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Correspondence to Philip Priestley .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Law , Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom

    Maurice Vanstone

  2. Bristol, United Kingdom

    Philip Priestley

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Priestley, P. (2016). Alarms and Excursions: Rhetorical Space in Criminal Justice. In: Vanstone, M., Priestley, P. (eds) Probation and Politics. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-59557-7_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-59557-7_12

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-137-59556-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-59557-7

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