A Systematic Literature Review Concerning Saudi Arabia's Substitution of Incarceration with Unpaid Work

Abstract

This study conducts a systematic literature review regarding the potential impact of Saudi Arabia’s proposed plan to replace incarceration with unpaid work. This is considered in light of increasing doubts and criticisms surrounding the lack of effectiveness of incarceration in terms of reducing crime and recidivism. The study therefore conducts an in-depth comparative systematic review of existing literature and studies on the impact of custodial and non-custodial sentences on reoffending rates. These issues relate to various other topics, including the impact of custodial and non-custodial sentences on crime and recidivism rates, the perceived criminogenic effects of incarceration, and the potentially more beneficial impact of non-custodial sentences. The study therefore seeks to identify trends and reliable evidence relating to the potential impacts of the planned initiative in Saudi Arabia to substitute incarceration for unpaid work. The systematic review resulted in the conclusion that non-custodial sentences do not have a drastically more beneficial impact on reoffending when compared to custodial sentences. At best, non-custodial sentences are moderately to slightly more effective than custodial sentences in reducing reoffending. However, it is emphasised that any reduction in reoffending is to be considered beneficial. Therefore, the results show that the substitution of incarceration with unpaid work in Saudi Arabia will be likely to have some beneficial impact in terms of reducing reoffending