To detain a person, you deprive them of their personal freedom (Findlay et al, 2000). Detention or imprisonment of offenders is a consequence used for various offenses in society for hundreds of years. In recent times, this consequence has become so frequently invoked that significant prison overcrowding has resulted (Findlay et al, 2000). In the 1990s, new rehabilitation measures were introduced to help reduce prison overcrowding. At this time, the prison was used to such an extent that the Queensland government adopted a “prison of last resort” strategy (Cavadino & Dignan 2006). There are many pros and cons to using this strategy. This essay will examine both the advantages and disadvantages of this policy and, in doing so, examine the implications of this policy for young and adult offenders in Australia. It will consider whether or not resorting to detention or imprisonment is the best procedure. Additionally, the essay will examine the history of imprisonment in terms of crime rates and determine whether "prison of last resort" has had a significant impact on these rates. Historically, fines and previous sanctions were decided by the tribal chief or the king who could prescribe exile for the offender (Allen and 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. The term imprisonment is when someone is held against their free will, formerly also until the punishment is decided. The 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century saw the development of prisons (Allen & Simonsen, 1998). The primary purpose of detaining or imprisoning an adult offender is his or her 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 (United States). Law Commission. National Academic Press: USAMunice, J., Hughes, G. and Mclaughlin, E. (2002). Youth justice: critical readings. Sage Publications Ltd: London. Peterson, C (1989). Looking Across the Lifespan: Developmental Psychology (2nd Edition) Prentice Hall: New York. Roth, M. (2006). Prisons and penitentiary systems: a global encyclopedia. Greenwood Publishing group Inc: USA. Shaffer, D.R. (1993). Developmental psychology: childhood and adolescence (3rd edition). Brooks Cole Publishing Company: CaliforniaWhite, R. and Perrone, S. (2005). Crime and social control. Oxford University Press: New York