@fitzyp Said
So my question for people is what would you change in your countries criminal justice system? Or USAs criminal justice system or criminal justice systems in general? Would you increase sentences for all? let everyone free? Increase/decrease the war on drugs? What about the death penalty?
I would improve rehabilitation programmes. Direct more resources towards what I call a "Three Pronged Attack".
Firstly, the offender has to know that they did wrong. Yes, we all know the difference between right and wrong, but so many offenders simply shrug their shoulders at their criminality. They don't deal with the root cause of why they are criminals in the first place.
Criminals need to be helped to feel genuine remorse for their crimes and educated that there is a better way in life... that they have an alternative to crime. I am quite impressed by the progress made in the area of reconciliation by "Restorative Justice" programmes, whereby offenders and the people they have affected (who consent to take part)are brought together. The criminal sees their victim.... hears their story.... learns what he has done to them.... and he can apologise to them face to face.
This is a powerful psychological tool and the effects of that so far have been quite impressive here. I think it is worth developing programmes like this.
Secondly, I would institute proper educational and vocational programmes whilst in prison. So many criminals are poorly educated, have no skills and no prospects of useful, gainful employment after release. Is it any wonder they return to crime when they get out...? Give a man a decent chance in life, I say.
Thirdly, the government should encourage employers to take on those men released from prison. Too many times, they have no job prospects and simply drift back to what they know because they have no other means of supporting themselves or their families. Give them a realistic chance of getting work.
Now...... it is a given that some criminals will always be criminals, no matter what. They are simply bad to the bone. Those who persistently re-offend should be given harsh, long sentences. They are inherently recidivistic and care nothing for society. Why should they have the liberty to commit offences against decent people..?
But for many, they have made one mistake in their lives... or they were led astray by others.... or simply acted out of desperation or because of circumstances. They deserve a second chance.
Justice must be merciful and compassionate as well as protecting the public. I think both can be achieved if it is properly resourced and organised. It won't be perfect, but I think it would probably prevent more re-offending and perhaps that is the best we can hope for.
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