EXPLORING THE USE OF NON-CUSTODIAL SENTENCES IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF NIGERIA’S CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Abstract

Crimes that go unpunished pave way for the reoccurrence of such crimes and other crimes not just by the offender, but by others who would want to test the water. In a bid to deter crime, various sets of punishment have evolved and sentences passed, from confinement which is custodial in nature to those that poses non-custodial and restorative justice characteristics. No doubt, either method adopted has its significant role to play but with the evolution of time and laws. This paper seeks to proffer the best punishment passed as a sentence having recourse to each particular case and law in a bid to embrace new ideals and still achieve the objective of punishment. In the words of Elizabeth Fry, punishment is not for revenge, but to lessen crime and reform the criminals.