A new conception of justice in punishment is needed that is premised on respect for offenders’ human dignity. It needs to acknowledge retributive and utilitarian values and incorporate independently important values of fairness and equal treatment. Punishment principles, policies, and practices lined up nicely in mid-twentieth-century America. Utilitarian principles implied a primary goal of crime prevention through rehabilitation and avoidance of unnecessary suffering by offenders. Judges and parole boards were empowered to tailor decisions to fit offenders’ circumstances and interests. Corrections officials sought to address rehabilitative needs and facilitate achievement of successful, law-abiding lives. The system often did not work as it should, but its ideals, aspirations, and aims were clear. In our time, there are no commonly shared principles; sentencing laws and practices are unprecedentedly rigid and severe; judges and parole boards often lack authority to make sensible or just decisions; corrections officials are expected simultaneously to act as police officers, actuaries, and social workers; and injustice is ubiquitous.

中文翻译：

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惩罚与人格尊严：二十一世纪美国的量刑原则

需要一种新的刑罚正义概念，其前提是尊重罪犯的人格尊严。它需要承认报应和功利主义价值观，并独立纳入公平和平等待遇的重要价值观。在20世纪中叶，惩罚原则，政策和做法很好地结合在一起。功利主义原则意味着通过康复和避免罪犯不必要的痛苦来预防犯罪的主要目标。法官和假释委员会有权调整决定，以适应罪犯的情况和利益。惩教官员试图解决康复需求并促进成功的守法生活的实现。该系统通常无法正常运行，但是其理想，愿望和目标很明确。在我们这个时代 没有共同的原则；量刑法律和实践空前僵化和严厉；法官和假释委员会通常缺乏做出明智或公正决定的权力；惩教官员应同时担任警察，精算师和社会工作者；不公正现象无处不在。