(e) only 19%
respondents thought corporal punishment more effective than imprisonment, while 36% thought it more effective than detention for young offenders;
(£)
(g)
of those who supported corporal punishment, 56% felt that it should be used only on young offenders (aged under 25); and
crimes most suitable for corporal punishment sentences were thought to be rape, indecent assault, assault causing actual bodily harm and robbery.
The survey results showed that, although 67% of the interviewees supported the use of corporal punishment, 69% of the interviewees considered corporal punishment less effective than imprisonment for adults and 50% of the interviewees considered corporal punishment less effective than detention for young offenders. Those against corporal punishment were concerned that this form of sentencing was cruel and dehumanising, and of little use as a long term deterrent. The response suggested that, although there was an instinctive reaction in favour of corporal punishment, this was tempered by awareness of more effective alternative sentencing options.
Review of Alternative Sentences
9
In 1985 the Deputy Crown Prosecutor out a review of alternative
sentences
punishment. A copy of his report is at Annex D.
10
(DCP) (DCP) carried to corporal
The DCP concluded that, while corporal punishment satisfied a punitive objective, there were, in respect of offences for which corporal punishment was a sentencing option, sufficient alternatives to achieve the penal objectives of punishment, deterrence, and rehabilitation. He also concluded that if corporal punishment were to be retained, its availability should be restricted to offences in which violence played a part, and appropriate guidelines should be drawn up.
Other Recent Developments
11
Since 1980 the use of corporal punishment has been restricted mainly to offences against section 33 of the Public Order Ordinance, i.e., possession of an offensive in a public place. Under this section, corporal punishment is the only alternative to a custodial sentence.
weapon
CONFIDENTIAL