Some feel that punishment should focus more on rehabilitation instead of long prison terms. Others feel prison terms are important for social stability. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Some feel that punishment should focus more on rehabilitation instead of long prison terms. Others feel prison terms are important for social stability.

Discuss both sides and give your opinion. 

Sample Answer

Some today have argued that the primary goal of the criminal justice system should be to rehabilitate rather than simply punish offenders. In my opinion, though there are exceptions, reforms prioritizing rehabilitation should be embraced.

In particular instances, it is crucial to place the welfare of the majority above the interests of criminals. This most commonly occurs in cases involving violent criminals and repeat offenders. There are individuals who have been identified as sociopaths by trained clinicians and represent a threat to society. Punishing them through lengthy incarcerations serves a dual purpose, at once deterring other criminals and also preventing them from harming innocent citizens. The attempt to rehabilitate such individuals is admirable but likely to fail, and the risks of releasing a person early who has made a bad-faith effort at improving themselves can pose a serious risk to public safety.

However, rehabilitation is a more sustainable solution to criminality in general. Today, the study of psychology has advanced to a point that allows modern facilities to focus more on rehabilitating criminals. A person who commits a crime is likely to suffer from specific psychological problems, either based on inherited traits or their upbringing. In the former case, there are pharmaceuticals now that can treat and rehabilitate individuals suffering from mental illness. For the latter situations, it is possible to offer therapy, combined with medication, to address and help criminals overcome the sources of their behavior. For instance, this is already typically done with minors as they are impressionable and there is a strong chance they will be able to reform and commit themselves to law-abiding behavior.

In conclusion, in extreme cases, there is little chance of rehabilitation and the community at large is the priority. However, a more progressive system involves the compassionate rehabilitation and reintegration into society of criminals.