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Abstract

Criminal justice professionals as well as the generalpublic are urging a return to fixed prison sentences, thereby undoing the efforts of twentieth century reformers to rely on the indeterminate sentencefor rehabilitation purposes. This movement is related to contradictory ideas concerning: (a) the purpose of the criminal justice system; (b)particularism versus universalism; and (c) the proper role of discretion in the administration ofjustice. The polarities inherent in each issue place society in a double approach-avoidance conflict situation which explains the pendulum movement of correctional policy. By seeking a middle-ground such as is offered by sentencing to community service, the search for a more just system may be enhanced.

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The Swinging Pendulum of Correctional Reform

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