Which goal of criminal punishment do you think is more important: reforming criminals into law-abiding citizen

Question

Which goal of criminal punishment do you think is more important: reforming criminals into law-abiding citizens, or exacting retribution of behalf of the victims of crime? Why?

Answer 1

studies show that reforming criminals does not work. I'm a mental health therapist and that is disappointing news to me. i have to go with retribution because there has to be consequences for actions. otherwise, we would have a lawless society.

Answer 2

I think the original purpose of punishment is that criminals should be reformed into law abiding citizens as a result of paying or suffering retributions on their victims behalf. Unfortunately, too many criminals these days are being treated more like victims. They get light sentences or probation because some bleeding heart lawyer or psychiatrist says they had a tough childhood.

Answer 3

First, you have to find those that commit petty crimes b/c one day they will commit a larger crime. Those types you can possibly change, but for others that are persistent in committing crime there is NO reforming. Most criminals have justified there crimes to themselves, so there is no wrong action in that crime they have committed. The only wrong action is that they were caught, and while they sit in jail or prison they contemplate on how they will not get caught next time. So, how do we reform those that have justified there actions. They actually believe they have done nothing wrong. Here is an extreme example, "Gentleman's Rapist", they actually believe that the victim wants it, they apologize for their actions and if he hurt them, some even ask for dates afterwards. In this case, justifying his actions is by believing the victim wanted it. So, in my opinion most criminals can not be rehabilitated.

Answer 4

hoesntly i dont think the current system works,
in example..

a 18year old gets arrested for selling marry j,
he does x days in jail with known rapists, and the like.

What does he learn in jail?
more scams, more quick money schemes..

not to mention exposure to hard knock lifers,
and the like...

its an on going cycle.. most retention rates at even the smallest local jail are horrific..

Answer 5

Good idea would to get the paddle back in the prison and juvenile court system.

Answer 6

They are criminals. See if they rape kill or attempt killing someone kill em. Its more than they deserve. Pety crimes reform them. You can't say one or the other.

Answer 7

if you want real answers,do your own research.all you will get here is bullshit.

Answer 8

very good question