Final answer:
The just deserts model for corrections advocates for punishment that is proportionate to the severity of the offense. While it promotes fairness and accountability, it can lead to longer sentences and prison overcrowding. The model's emphasis on punishment has increased the use of imprisonment and reduced the focus on rehabilitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The just deserts model for corrections is a theory that believes in punishment for crimes that is proportionate to the severity of the offense. It states that offenders should receive their 'just deserts', meaning that the punishment should fit the crime. The pros of this model include the notion of fairness and accountability, as it seeks to ensure that offenders face consequences for their actions. However, the cons of this model are that it can lead to longer and harsher sentences, which can result in prison overcrowding.
The just deserts model has contributed to an increased use of imprisonment because it emphasizes retribution and punishment over rehabilitation. This means that offenders are more likely to receive lengthy prison sentences rather than being given the opportunity to reform and reintegrate into society. The focus on punishment has led to an overreliance on incarceration as the primary response to crime, which has resulted in prison overcrowding.