20 Feb 09
1 edit
I would like to debate the pro's and con's of the modern day prison system. FIrst of all, what is its purpose? Is it to distribute justice? Is is to rehabilitate those incarcerated? Is it to keep them off the streets so they can't continue such behavoir? Is it all the above? If yes to any of the above, is it working or are there better approaches to the problem?
No matter what you think, I think we can all agree that the modern day prison system is both over crowded and a drain on the tax paying citizens of the countries in question. Perhaps societies in ancient times that did not have a modern day prison system can teach us a few things such as an eye for an eye. No long prison sentences. Just pay for your crime and off you go!!
20 Feb 09
Originally posted by whodeyCrimes of consenting adults are not really crimes and should be treated as such. Given our budget problems it is long overdue.
I would like to debate the pro's and con's of the modern day prison system. FIrst of all, what is its purpose? Is it to distribute justice? Is is to rehabilitate those incarcerated? Is it to keep them off the streets so they can't continue such behavoir? Is it all the above? If yes to any of the above, is it working or are there better approaches to the ...[text shortened]... ch as an eye for an eye. No long prison sentences. Just pay for your crime and off you go!!
I don't have a problem with an eye for an eye as long as they confess or it is proven in an iron clad way. It is the wrongly convicted I am concerned about.
20 Feb 09
What is the modern day prison system? Do you mean the modern day American prison system? If so, I would say prison sentences are generally too long and too easily given. A first, easy step to fix this is to legalize cannabis and to stop giving prison sentences for posession of small amounts of hard drugs.
20 Feb 09
Originally posted by KazetNagorraGood lord, we agree on something else. Either I am turning into a bonified European socialist, or you are turning into a ron paul loving american libertarian.
What is the modern day prison system? Do you mean the modern day American prison system? If so, I would say prison sentences are generally too long and too easily given. A first, easy step to fix this is to legalize cannabis and to stop giving prison sentences for posession of small amounts of hard drugs.
20 Feb 09
Originally posted by dryhumpWhen it comes to personal freedom I find myself usually agreeing with libertarians. For years half the people I meet accuse me of being a left-wing tree hugger, while the other half claim I'm a right wing bastard (might not be so apparent here, since 95% of Americans are right wing, at least by European standards). Oh well, it gives me enough people to argue with.
Good lord, we agree on something else. Either I am turning into a bonified European socialist, or you are turning into a ron paul loving american libertarian.
20 Feb 09
Originally posted by KazetNagorraA first, easy step to fix this is to legalize cannabis and to stop giving prison sentences for posession of small amounts of hard drugs.
What is the modern day prison system? Do you mean the modern day American prison system? If so, I would say prison sentences are generally too long and too easily given. A first, easy step to fix this is to legalize cannabis and to stop giving prison sentences for posession of small amounts of hard drugs.
I agree with the first one.
But I still think people with hard drugs should be jailed.
20 Feb 09
Originally posted by generalissimoWhy do you think so? I don't believe there is any empirical evidence it reduces hard drug usage, but it does cost lots of money, especially considering cocaine users tend to be found amongst higher social classes.
[b]A first, easy step to fix this is to legalize cannabis and to stop giving prison sentences for posession of small amounts of hard drugs.
I agree with the first one.
But I still think people with hard drugs should be jailed.[/b]
20 Feb 09
Originally posted by KazetNagorrathere is any empirical evidence it reduces hard drug usage
Why do you think so? I don't believe there is any empirical evidence it reduces hard drug usage, but it does cost lots of money, especially considering cocaine users tend to be found amongst higher social classes.
That doesn't mean we should just ignore it.
20 Feb 09
Originally posted by generalissimoI don't believe we should, we should try and reduce hard drug usage by improving rehab facilities and improving preventive measures such as education.
[b]there is any empirical evidence it reduces hard drug usage
That doesn't mean we should just ignore it.[/b]
21 Feb 09
Originally posted by whodeyfry them all!
I would like to debate the pro's and con's of the modern day prison system. FIrst of all, what is its purpose? Is it to distribute justice? Is is to rehabilitate those incarcerated? Is it to keep them off the streets so they can't continue such behavoir? Is it all the above? If yes to any of the above, is it working or are there better approaches to the ...[text shortened]... ch as an eye for an eye. No long prison sentences. Just pay for your crime and off you go!!
21 Feb 09
3 edits
Originally posted by mbakuninNow we're talk'in!!! I don't care so much about arguing whether certain behavoirs should be outlawed such as smoking pot as I am deciding what to do with people who do break the laws that we decide should be enforced. You have stated that the goal should be rehabilitation and have rightly pointed out that such a goal seems to be woefully lacking according to the current system. So how should they be reformed? Do you favor a system that is more in line with capital punishment or are you sold on incarceration? When I say capital punishment, I am not talking exclusively about the death penalty. There is also such possibilities as "an eye for an eye" appoach or floggings or financial fines. In fact, I remember a case in Singapore where some teenager from the US got caught writing grafetti on some buildings. The lad was apprehended and sentenced to a whipping. Those in the States were appalled at the notion of this punishment and protested vehemently. However, to no avail. The lad got a good flogging with the marks to prove it. So how do you feel about such cases? Is it barbaric, or is it a better answer than what they have in the States? No matter your answer, I can pretty much guess the lad NEVER repeated the same behavoir, or if he did, it was not in Singapore and I bet you would agree. 😛
the first question that should be asked is: what is the point of prison? punishment or rehabilitation? in my opinion it is rehabilitation, in which case most penal systems in the world fall far short, and should be reformed.
21 Feb 09
1 edit
Originally posted by KazetNagorraYes, specifically the prison model in the US, but go ahead and include other countries with similar systems.
What is the modern day prison system? Do you mean the modern day American prison system? If so, I would say prison sentences are generally too long and too easily given. A first, easy step to fix this is to legalize cannabis and to stop giving prison sentences for posession of small amounts of hard drugs.
So sentences are too long? How about child molesters who get next to no time if at all? I think you are only focusing on cannabis sentences or other drug related crimes, or am I reading you wrong?