Quote:
Originally posted by tw
Before one can even begin to answer this question, one must first decide what is the objective of jail time? Is it to punish the offender? Is it to make others realize that crime has consequences? Is it to satisfy the victim - to bring closure? Is it to rehabilitate?
|
Good point, tw.
Too often, it seems like the US correctional system is only about punishment. Then, we wonder why recidivism is so high with convicted criminals.
Certainly, there has to be some sort of committment from the offender. But if we throw people in jail without trying to help them see the "right" path, what good is punishment then?
The correctional systems in most states seem ill-equipped to handle their prison populations, which only makes things worse.