Assessing the impact: Mandatory and minimum sentences in South Africa

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Date

2005

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Institute for Security Studies (ISS)

Abstract

The legislation passed in 1997 that provides for mandatory minimum sentences for serious crimes was recently extended for another two years. At the time, the aim was to reduce serious and violent crime, achieve consistency in sentencing, and satisfy the public that sentences were sufficiently severe. This article argues that the legislation has achieved little or no significant impact with regard to these goals. Instead, many agree that the provisions have exacerbated the problem of overcrowding in South African prisons.

Description

Keywords

Criminal justice administration, Criminal law, Legislation, Sentencing, South Africa

Citation

Sloth-Nielsen, J. and Ehlers, L. (2011). Assessing the impact: Mandatory and minimum sentences in South Africa. South African Crime Quarterly, 14: 15 - 22