Postsentencing Supervision

Abstract

Postsentencing supervision of offenders is often justified by authorities as a means to improve public safety and promote positive behavior among offenders. The application of supervision and registration orders to offenders who have completed their sentences is claimed officially not as punitive but rather to secure the good conduct of these individuals and to ensure public safety. Yet the deployment of postsentencing measures does not easily fall within a particular sentencing system or philosophy. Using the example of Section 810 peace bonds under S.810.1 and 810.2 of the Canadian Criminal Code, and sex offender registration and surveillance in the United States, we suggest that the application of such postsentencing measures may be as punitive in nature as they are preventative.