Should criminals suffer for what they have done, or should they be given another chance to become better people? It's a question worth thinking about as crime affects not only the criminal but the victims, their families and the society at large. Because of that, it makes sense to think if the criminals deserve to suffer or not.
Of course, punishment is important for people to understand that their actions have consequences. I can imagine how painful it would be to watch a criminal who ended the life of a loved one or took away another's possession, walking freely without facing the law. Punishing criminals brings a sense of justice.
Also punishment can also discourage others from committing crime when they understand that breaking the law may lead to their losing their freedom. Another purpose of punishment is in prison is protecting society. Prison is necessary to keep dangerous criminals from hurting people again if left to roam about freely.
But the sad part of focusing on only punishment is that, prisoners may leave the prison angrier and more dangerous than they were before. Making someone suffer for their crime doesn't automatically make the person a better human being. And that is where rehabilitation comes in.
I saw a movie some weeks back, a man took it on himself to visit prisons and preach Christ to prisoners, relating with them and trying to make them see the good in themselves. He succeeded when prisoners were set free and began something good for themselves as freemen. It made me see the positive side of rehabilitation.
I mean, think about someone who got into jail for stealing because of no job or skills. And after years of serving punishment, no working or learning a skill, becomes free. What are the chances that he won't go back to stealing again? But what if it's the other way, serving punishment while going through education or learning a skill.
Rehabilitation can involve education, counselling, learning a skill, recieving treatment for certain problems and even preparing for life after prison. All of these are important to reduce the chances of them committing another crime. It also gives them the chance to change. Though, not all will take advantage of this opportunity to change.
While rehabilitation is a good option to help criminals on the long run, we must consider the victims or those that were hurt directly by these criminals and it shouldn't mean their crimes did not happen or forcing victims to forgive those who hurt them. An offender's improvement does not erase the damage caused, it stays that way.
Personally, I believe prison should serve both purposes, that is punishment and rehabilitation. But I think rehabilitation should carry more weight in the long run because the goal of justice should not only be to deal with past crimes but also to prevent future ones from happening. A good system just needs to be put in place.
Image used is AI generated.
