Wealth and Imprisonment: A Critical Analysis on Inmates Under the Imprisonment Terms for Default Payment of Fine in Sri Lanka with Special Reference to Kegalle and Kuruwita Prisons

Abstract

This research mainly focused on the inmates under imprisonment terms for default payments of fine. This study aims to find the rationale behind the default terms and how these terms are affected to the non -wealth inmates. Generally, this research based on direct interviews with defaulters under the imprisonment terms. Prison officials and a limited sample of lawyers were directly interviewed and collected their personnel experience and suggestions with regard to defaulters. The literature review was employed throughout the research to collect a wide spread knowledge in relation to defaulter population and this review allowed to collect the various resources in to one arena. This work identified that there are plenty of reasons for the imprisonment for default payment of fine besides of low income level of the offenders. The research focuses the domestic laws and international laws relating to imprisonment for default payment of fine. The purpose of this research is gather qualitative information in relation to those prisoners who are inability to pay their fine. This qualitative information will help in the formulation of recommendation when default terms are imposed, by identifying the measures most likely to be of assistance in ensuring payment of the fines and the measures which might prevent the imprisonment of persons for non-payment of fines due to poor income level.