In 1985, adam was convicted of committing a murder. he was treated according to the dominant correctional philosophy of the time. his case would have been treated in the belief that

His case would have been treated in the belief that he can be rehabilitated.

Explanation:

The idea of incarceration was commonly associated with the idea of rehabilitation and also reintegration (in some cases) during the late 70s and early 80s. For the crime committed by Adam, his reintegration with society would not have possibly been a reasonable and acceptable decision. Hence, in order to implement correctional measures, his rehabilitation would have been possible.