Correctional Laws – Key Notes
1. Prison Act, 1894
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First comprehensive law governing the administration of prisons in India.
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Focuses on:
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Discipline and duties of prison officers.
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Classification of prisoners.
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Health, food, clothing, and accommodation of inmates.
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Largely punitive in nature.
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Criticized for being outdated and not reform-oriented.
2. Probation of Offenders Act, 1958
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Aimed at rehabilitating first-time offenders.
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Courts may release offenders on probation instead of sentencing them to prison.
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Focus on:
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Reform rather than punishment.
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Counseling and supervision by Probation Officers.
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Offenders must not have committed serious crimes.
3. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act
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Special law for children below 18 years.
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Ensures minors are not tried as adults.
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Two categories:
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Children in conflict with law (juveniles who commit crimes).
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Children in need of care and protection.
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Emphasizes rehabilitation, reformative homes, education, and reintegration.
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No death or life imprisonment for juveniles.
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Latest version: JJ Act, 2015, with amendment in 2021 for heinous crimes by 16–18 age group.
📝 MCQs on Correctional Laws
1. Which law is considered the primary legislation regulating prisons in India?
A. Probation of Offenders Act
B. Juvenile Justice Act
C. Prison Act, 1894
D. Model Prison Manual, 2016
✅ Answer: C
2. Under the Probation of Offenders Act, 1958, who can be released on probation?
A. Hardcore criminals
B. Juvenile offenders
C. First-time offenders
D. Repeat offenders
✅ Answer: C
3. The Juvenile Justice Act is applicable to individuals under the age of:
A. 14 years
B. 16 years
C. 18 years
D. 21 years
✅ Answer: C
4. What is the main objective of the Probation of Offenders Act, 1958?
A. Increase prison population
B. Provide harsh punishment
C. Rehabilitate first-time offenders
D. Legalize corporal punishment
✅ Answer: C
5. Which of the following is not a feature of the Juvenile Justice Act?
A. Separate justice system for minors
B. Death penalty for heinous crimes
C. Focus on rehabilitation and reintegration
D. No life imprisonment for children
✅ Answer: B
6. What is not true about the Prison Act, 1894?
A. It is reform-oriented
B. It governs prison administration
C. It is the oldest law on prisons
D. It includes rules for prisoner classification
✅ Answer: A