Judicial Corporal Punishment as an Alternative to Incarceration in the United States: Lessons Learned from Islamic Criminal Justice Systems

Sanaz Alasti's book explores physical punishment (corporal punishment) as an alternative to incarceration in criminal justice systems, comparing practices in Western and Islamic societies. It raises questions about deterrence, cost-effectiveness, and humane alternatives to incarceration.

Format: Hardback
Length: 158 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Sanaz Alasti delves into an alternative perspective, exploring physical (but non-carceral) punishment, known as corporal punishment. This thought-provoking book ignites intense debates about the historical, enduring, and widespread use of corporal punishment in criminal justice systems.

Alasti conducts a comparative analysis between penological practices in Western societies, exemplified by the United States, and Islamic societies, represented by Iran. Her objective is to evaluate which practices are more effective in deterring crime, cost-efficient, and humane. While Alasti does not advocate for this as the standard, she raises thought-provoking questions. Which form of punishment is more barbaric? Is judicial corporal punishment a more compassionate and efficient form of punishment compared to incarceration? Is corporal punishment a less cruel alternative to spending years behind bars in primitive and punitive jails and prisons?

This book holds immense interest for scholars and enthusiasts studying criminology, criminal justice, history, law, and sociology. It sheds light on the complex dynamics of punishment and offers valuable insights into the historical and cultural contexts shaping these practices.

Weight: 435g
Dimension: 237 x 158 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666930290