VPRS 10878 Prisoners Marks Received System Book

The book of prisoners' marks received includes the name of the prisoner, the sentence and date of the sentence, number of gaol marks and the gaol from where the marks were received.The Crofton or Mark system, which originated in Ireland, was first implemented in August 1873. Nine marks were awarded, three each for work, conduct at work, and after work, and they could be increased or decreased according to effort and behaviour. The intention was to reward prisoners by various indulgences, ranging from work in association to an allocation of tobacco, tea and sugar, and small money credits. Females were severely disadvantaged in the system by being paid only half the gratuity allotted, nor were they employed outdoors or allowed tobacco. This was the forst occasion in Victoria that payment was made to prisoners as a reward for labour, except for payments made to the hangman.Besides providing an inducement to behave, the Mark system influenced the granting of remissions. The Mark system assisted in turning the direction of the penal system away from an obsession with punishment to a stress on rewards for employment and good behaviour.