GIVE HIM A CHANCE.
THE PRISONS CONGRESS. MODERN METHODS. LONDON, August 9. The International Prisons Congress to-day adopted a resolution urging an extension of the probation system and the power of Courts to inflict fines: also the development of machinery for the purpose of eliminating as far as possible the imposition of imprisonment in default of payment. Another resolution was passed urging the establishment of quicker and easier communication between the police and judicial authorities of the world, with a view to the more speedy arrest of international offenders. The Lord Chancellor (Viscount Cave) said that an indeterminate sentence did not mean an unlimited sentence, since a statutory maximum was fixed giving the prisoner new aspirations and quicker freedom. The system of Borstal institutions which employed the indeterminate method was most successful, although judges agreed that a three years' sentence was necessary. Many persons criticised over-indul-gence in concerts, newspapers, and a la carte meals. An indeterminate sentence should be reserved for grave offenders, the ape limit being from 25 to 30 years, without specifying the minimum period, entrusting the release of prisoners to an independent permanent committee. The Borstal system aimed at reformation. It was much more hopeful in the case of young offenders who were sentenced indeterminately than in that of old offenders. The congress passed a resolution expressing the opinion that (he indeterminate sentence is one of the most efficacious means of social defence: that the laws of each country should determine where and for what cause there should •be a maximum duration for the indeterminate sentence: and that there should be, in every case, guarantees and rules for the conditional release of prisoners. It was resolved to demand an effective film censorship in every country with the primary object of protecting youths: also the inspection-of cinemas in order to ensure the carrying out of the decisions of the censorship, which should not be confined to questions of obscenity, but should deal with all matters calculated to injure or deprave youth. The congress expressed the opinion that special film exhibitions should be provided for youths, and that the State should subsidise an organisation for the production rtf films of real value for the young and for the general public. Tt was resolved that the question of films should be regulated by international agreements.— (A. and N.Z. and Reuter.)
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Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 187, 10 August 1925, Page 7
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390GIVE HIM A CHANCE. Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 187, 10 August 1925, Page 7
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