rationalskepticism.org

Sendraks wrote:

Coastal wrote:I think it's much more tragic for a released murderer to murder again than it is for a murderer to be separated from society - even if they can be seen as part of society/the public.

I agree, but the problem with most penal systems is that they do nothing other than separate the individual from society for the duration. There is no meaningful attempt at rehabilitation, no professional involvement in trying to find ways to turn that individuals world view round and to give their life some meaning. So is it little wonder that after a period in prison which, for the most part is going to breed little more than anger and resentment in an individual, that they commit a crime again.

Going with what Laklak has said:

laklak wrote: Can any amount of education or rehabilitation cure someone so divorced from common humanity?

I honestly don't know the answer to that. But I do know that the current US penal system (and the UK system), don't even scratch the surface at even trying to answer those questions.

If all you're going to do is lock someone up, then to realistically expect them to be much different at the end of the duration with zero interventions intended to benefit the individual have occurred, is madness. Sadly, so many people out there think that being in prison will magically change a person.