Originally Posted by ronaldo

There's lots to address here, but I'll stick to the last sentence due to lack of time.

Yes, prisons are supposed to rehabilitate...those that are capable of BEING rehabilitated. When it comes to non-violent crimes, I have no problem with that at all. Even some violent crimes IF the person CAN be rehabilitated, so be it (I don't have all the answers).

But we as a society are so focused on rehabilitation that we seem to have forgotten that sometimes, people DESERVE to be PUNISHED. They'll still get their rehabilitation, but I don't see putting them away for longer periods as well. A 12 year old knowing he'll get probabation and be out on the street in 3 months may think differently if he won't be free until he's 18. Contrary to popular opinion, there are deterrents out there that be utilized. Not everyone is going to be deterred, but some will be. The same as the death penalty (which I don't believe it btw).

Like CDSmith said, it's illegal in places to punish your kids with a smack on the ass. Yet today, kids are less respectful and more violent than ever. Anyone that says there isn't a connection in there some place is looking at it with rose colored glasses. Sure there are other influences, but I was TAUGHT respect and sometimes it wasn't pretty...but I'm a better person for it.

As far as killers go, I don't give a shit if they CAN be rehabilitated. They took someone else's life, they should lose theirs...for all intents and purposes, by being imprisoned for life. I do have the mental capacity to see beyond the punishment and include the cost btw. That's where home arrest should come into play for non violent criminals.