Examples could be small time drug users or white collar crime (HUGE fines could work better with a lot of community service required). Some jail time could be appropriate, but some caught with a few joints are in jail longer than others guilty of assult or rape. This is not right.
2007-01-19 04:27:28 · 16 answers · asked by Heatmizer 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Those whose crimes are somewhat innocent should be allowed less-strict penalties. Jail time is humiliating, and the government should focus more funds on health initiatives not punishing misguided people.
2007-01-20 02:30:27 · answer #1 · answered by Julie S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I would. However, if it was a non-violent crime that affected other people - such as Drug SALES, then there would have to be a proper punishment to fit the crime such as community service at a shelter or rehab facility. I think if people really understood the consequences of their actions it would be better than sitting in a cell with other people who sell drugs and just making more contacts for when you get out.
Especially for white collar crimes- Why are they going to jail? They arent dangerous! Their punishment should fit the crime as well.
For example - Instead of making Martha Stewart go to jail and be stuck in her house they should have taken away her right to do business. I'll bet that would have made a bigger impact on her, as well as made a BETTER example to others who were contemplating the same crime.
2007-01-19 12:45:27 · answer #2 · answered by Soon2BMommy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think the biggest lessons can be lerned by locking people away, they only learn to be better criminals. They also can not learn by being let off the hook, they only learn that what they did has no punishment. I think if they truly want to make this a better society that these people need to see first hand how each of their crimes effects the rest of us, to get help in becoming a better person, and to really learn from their mistakes. If a drug addict sees what it does to those that care about them, those they rip off, and the greater picture of what they think are small actions. If a white collar crime can see how what they do efects a greater number of people, those they care about, and why is it ok for them and not other to do this to them and those they care about.
2007-01-19 12:38:12 · answer #3 · answered by I Am Blessed 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I TOTALLY agree. Many white collar crime committers as well as drug offenders sit in jail longer than CHILD MOLESTERS AND MURDERS. Does that make sense? NO it doesn't. Some drug offenders and white collar crime committers are even sitting in there with life sentences. It is not right. This is why we have little children kidnapped and murder because we prefer to let the quacks out and keep the others who are non-violent in. ABSURD!
2007-01-19 12:34:47 · answer #4 · answered by me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone is entitled to his/her opinion, this is mine. Forget jails and prisons!! I know it sounds cruel, but I think if you kill someone, you should be put to death. I think also that the crime rate would go down tremendously if we had public caning for smaller crimes. I know that in other countries where public caning is legal, the crime rate is very low. I bet people would not be caught with any kind of drugs, robberies would go down, car jackings at a stand still, ect. I feel this will also reduce the over population problems in our prisons. Why build more prisons?
2007-01-19 12:40:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Father K about the drug crimes. What a joke! The "war on drugs" is just as make-believe as the "war on terror".
As for white collar crime, it depends on the extent of their crime. Those Enron bastards and the Bush Administration should rot in prison for life. But there are lesser offenses that should serve less time.
2007-01-19 12:34:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so, at least not with the present parole board, and our justice system in place, crime is crime it's that simple, they really do not define crime, until we come up with a system that really discourages crime our prisons will continue to grow, our laws are vary conflicting today, little slap there and a little slap here, I believe our laws are way to lenient towards any crime today, and that includes murder.
2007-01-19 12:44:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jail is a school where petty criminals can graduate to being hardened criminals- it should only be used as a last resort.
2007-01-19 12:35:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Agree 100%. That way there would be plenty of room to keep the violent offenders locked up for a very looong time.
2007-01-19 12:32:05 · answer #9 · answered by Stormilutionist Chasealogist 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hell yes Id support it. It angers me that we have mandatory sentences for drug offenders, but not for murderers or rapists...
You get ten years for selling pot. You get 5-8 years for rape. Yeah, really fair...
2007-01-19 12:31:33 · answer #10 · answered by YDoncha_Blowme 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋