Question.3669 - When Americans think of punishment, they usually first think of prisons. What other ways of punishing convicted individuals might the general public find acceptable?
Answer Below:
When Americans think of punishment, they usually first think of prisons. What other ways of punishing convicted individuals might the general public find acceptable? Prisons often come to mind first, while Americans consider punishment for convicted individuals. There are several alternative forms of punishment that the public might find acceptable, particularly as discussions about criminal justice reform gain traction. Community service is one of the alternatives which allows offenders to contribute positively to society on the other hand while they are serving their sentences. This approach holds individuals accountable and also helps them develop a sense of responsibility and connection to their communities (Bazemore and Karp, 2004). Another option is probation. It permits offenders to be a part of their communities under supervision. This method is indeed very effective for non-violent offenders as it allows them to maintain employment and family ties while still facing consequences for their actions (Kahan,1996). Restorative justice programs have gained popularity as well. Through these initiatives, it focuses on repairing the harm caused by the crime through dialogue between victims and offenders. Rather than mere punishment it particularly focuses on accountability and healing (Sherman et al.,2007). Fines and restitution can serve as effective deterrents for certain crimes, specifically for offences which are non-violent. They hold individuals financially accountable without resorting to incarceration (Farrell, 2014). It can be concluded by saying that prisons remain a prominent aspect of the American penal system. Alternatives are community service, probation, restorative justice, and financial penalties; they offer viable options that can promote rehabilitation while reducing recidivism as well. Reference: Bazemore, G., & Karp, D. (2004). A civic justice corps: Community service as a means of reintegration.?Justice Policy Journal,?1(3), 1-35. Farrell, S. M. (2014).?The Imprisonment of Criminal Fine Defaulters in Ireland?(Doctoral dissertation, UC Irvine). Kahan, Dan M. What Do Alternative Sanctions Mean? The University of Chicago Law Review, vol. 63, no. 2, 1996, p. 591, https://doi.org/10.2307/1600237. Sherman, L. L., Strang, H. H., Barnes, G. G., Bennett, S. S., Angel, C. C., Newbury-Birch, D. D., ... & Gill, C. C. (2007). Restorative justice: The evidence.More Articles From Others
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