Sentencing selected offenders to perform services for the community is becoming an increasingly popular sentencing option for judges. Premised on the notion that a fine and/or jail term is not always in the best interest of society or the offender, many courts have embraced the concept of community service in lieu of the traditional sentences,…

Results are reported of four community dialogues held in Seattle, Washington, involving members of the community, residents of the nearby Firlands Mini-Prison, and professionals working in various areas of legal and justice systems. The four dialogue sessions covered the following topics: (1) the correctional system as a reflection of social…

The report evaluates a project to stimulate dialog between staff and inmates of a Federal penitentiary and members of a nearby community. The purpose was to bring prison and community people together to begin discussion of crime, punishment, rehabilitation, and recidivism in an atmosphere of informed, reflective thought. Nearly 500 people…