ABSTRACT
The Enlightened Sentencing Project has its origins in the search by Judge David C. Mason, a Missouri circuit court judge, for a rehabilitation program that would benefit offenders appearing before him. The project initiated by Judge Mason is a pioneering, community based rehabilitation program in which probationers are sentenced to learn the Transcendental Meditation (TM) 1 technique and to participate in classes to enhance their understanding of the technique and its benefits. Thus far in this program, six judges in Missouri have sentenced over 100 probationers whose offenses range from drunk driving to manslaughter. Results have been remarkable, with offenders reporting a wide range of benefits. This paper describes the background and establishment of the Enlightened Sentencing 36Project. It also reports on the experiences of the participants, judges, and parole officers involved and suggests steps for implementing similar projects in other communities. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail address: <https://www.docdelivery@haworthpress.com" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">docdelivery@haworthpress.com> Website: <https://www.HaworthPress.com" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">https://www.HaworthPress.com> ©2003 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.]
