To detain a person you are depriving them of their personal freedom (Findlay et al, 2000). The detention or imprisonment of offenders has been a consequence used for a variety of crimes in society for hundreds of years. In recent times it has become a consequence that is relied upon so often that it has resulted in significant overcrowding in prisons (Findlay et al, 2000). In the 1990s, new rehabilitation implementations were introduced to help alleviate overcrowding in prisons. At the time, prison was being used to the extent that the Queensland government adopted a “prison as a last resort” strategy (Cavadino & Dignan 2006). There are many pros and cons to using this strategy. This essay will consider both the pros and cons of this policy and, in doing so, consider the implications of the policy for young and adult offenders in Australia. It will explore the emphasis on whether or not the use of detention or incarceration is the best procedure. Additionally, the essay will consider the history of incarceration in terms of crime rates and whether “prison as a last resort” has had a significant impact on these rates. Historically, previous fines and punishments would be decided by the tribal leader or king who could prescribe banishment to the transgressor (Allen & Simonsen, 1992). The most common form of punishment over the centuries has been the death penalty. In recent times the form of imprisonment has evolved. Captivity is when someone is held against their free will, in the past it was even until the punishment was decided. The 19th and early 20th centuries saw the growth of prisons (Allen & Simonsen, 1998). The primary purpose of detaining or incarcerating an adult offender is the interrogation... middle of paper.... ..ard, B. & Morris, M. (1976). Instead of Prisons: A Handbook for Abolitionists.McCord, J., Spatz Widom, C. &. Crowell, N. (2001). Juvenile Crime, Juvenile Justice: Panel on Juvenile Crime: Prevention, Treatment, and Control, National Research Council (USA). Law Committee. National Academic Press: USAMunice, J., Hughes, G. & Mclaughlin, E. (2002). Youth justice: critical readings. Sage Publications Ltd: London.Peterson, C (1989). Looking Ahead Across the Lifespan: Developmental Psychology (2nd Edition) Prentice Hall: New York. Roth, M. (2006). Prisons and prison systems: a global encyclopedia. Greenwood Publishing Group Inc: USA.Shaffer, D. R. (1993). Developmental psychology: Childhood and adolescence (3rd edition). Brooks Cole Publishing House: CaliforniaWhite, R. & Perrone, S. (2005). Crime and social control. Oxford University Press: New York