House arrest, also known as home confinement or electronic monitoring, is a sentence that allows an individual to serve time within the confines of their residence, often under specific conditions and technological surveillance. This alternative to incarceration is typically considered for offenses where the offender poses a lower risk to public safety, and where traditional jail time may be deemed overly punitive or counterproductive. Examples might include non-violent offenses like driving under the influence, white-collar crimes, or certain drug-related charges.
This form of sentencing offers several potential benefits. It allows the individual to maintain employment, support their family, and continue contributing to society, albeit under strict supervision. Furthermore, it can be a more cost-effective option for the justice system compared to incarceration, freeing up resources for more serious offenders. Historically, house arrest was initially used as a tool for managing overcrowded prisons and for offenders with medical conditions requiring specialized care. Over time, its application has broadened with the development of monitoring technologies.