Offenders today are protected by both the rule of law, ensuring that all offenders are treated equally, regardless of their age, gender or their position in the community, and through due process, which ensures that all offenders receive a fair trial with the opportunity to defend themselves and be heard (Williams, 2012). Beccaria's emphasis on the humane and non-violent nature of punishment also carried over into modern corrections. Even today, offenders should only receive a sentence proportionate to the crime they committed and the punishment is determined by law. The power of judges and magistrates to make decisions on sanctions is guided by legislation and they do not have the power to change the law (Ferrajoli,