>> Perhaps slightly unfair editing of my comment WP, especially given that in the next line
>> I stated that it was a complex issue, and then went on to give some
>> insight into my thinking.
I'd accept that....trouble is, it's a subject dear to my heart.
>>
>> It is not about never using prison, it is about not using it unless you
>> have to.
We've already got that. Some people seem to live a charmed life. In reality a thief lives a life of eternal 'get out of jail free' cards. So do disqual drivers, no insurance and many, many, more.
>>
>> It is too complex to go into every details, but some key ideas might be.
>>
>> 1) Avoid labelling criminals (e.g. usually no need to disclose previous convictions)
I strongly disagree with that. If it walks like a duck...etc.
>> 2) Use non-custodial punishments were possible (the whole range, restorative, community service, etc, etc)
That would work for people like you or me....trouble is, there's an underclass of awful people that the average person cannot comprehend...and it DOES NOT WORK for them.
>> 3) Use the threat of prison as a final solution, or for very serious crimes.
Blimey, you advocating Adolf Hitler's ideas?
Sorry, just my inappropriate humour................ We've already got this system.
>> Unless you really are going to lock somebody up and throw away the key, you
>> need to think about what treatment of them best serves society in the long run.
Yes, very true...but with that must come the knowledge that to the low life in our society...and they are out there....anything other than prison is a let off. All the good ideas are just that when you are dealing with people who just don't give a monkeys.
|
