When The Prisoner Is Not A Prisoner: Service Work As A Non-Custodial Measure In The Treatment Of Adult Offenders And As A Panacea For Prison Problems In Nigeria
When The Prisoner Is Not A Prisoner: Service Work As A Non-Custodial Measure In The Treatment Of Adult Offenders And As A Panacea For Prison Problems In Nigeria

Summary/Abstract: The extensive use of imprisonment as a form of punishment has not achieved its aim of deterring or reforming offenders in Nigeria because of the high rate of recidivism amongst ex-inmates and this is premised on the fact that the innate rights and dignity of prisoners are on daily basis violated as a result of overcrowding, unhygienic conditions, and non-availability of beds to sleep on, amongst others. The Nigerian government also made matters worse by not reforming the country’s underdeveloped prison system. This paper comparatively explores the prison systems in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and United States. It examines the concept of service work as a form of punishment. It further examines service work as it relates to the economy and public work and in conclusion, advocates and recommends its use as an alternative to imprisonment because, the dignity of prisoners are maintained. Furthermore, it reduces overcrowding and overstretching of prison facilities and also curtails recidivism.

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