Criminal Justice Practice Exam

Which facility was designed for younger, less hardened offenders between 16 and 30 years of age?

1. The Penitentiary

2. The Reformatory

3. Transportation

4. Banishment

The correct answer is: The Reformatory

The Reformatory was specifically designed to cater to the needs of younger, less hardened offenders, typically within the age range of 16 to 30 years. The primary focus of a reformatory is rehabilitation rather than punishment, reflecting the belief that younger individuals have a greater capacity for change and should be given opportunities for reform. This facility often emphasizes educational programs, vocational training, and therapeutic interventions to help reintegrate offenders into society as productive citizens. In contrast, a penitentiary is more geared towards long-term incarceration of more serious offenders, often involving harsher conditions and a focus on punishment. Transportation refers to the practice of sending offenders to distant locations, often as a form of punishment rather than rehabilitation. Banishment involves the expulsion of individuals from a community or area, which does not provide a structured environment conducive to addressing the needs of younger offenders. Thus, the Reformatory stands out as the appropriate facility for targeting the rehabilitation of younger individuals in conflict with the law.