2 of 37

Write now Article Tools

The question of whether rehabilitation or punishment is best way of handling crime requires us to truly analyze societies values. It would make sense to say that punishment should be made relative to the amount of harm the crime causes, or the amount of potential harm the person doing the crime can cause in the future if not incarcerated.

But then what of crimes that don't cause harm to others, such as possession of drugs? Rehabilitation makes sense for crimes such as these...but then it may also be prudent to question if these things should even be considered crimes.

Ultimately the answer to whether to rehabilitate or punish criminals can only be answered understanding the overall goal of the justice system: to reduce or eliminate crime. Punishment serves to prevent crimes where it is more than likely the person will get caught, and that the punishment is severe enough to outweigh the benefits. The average person won't steal a car or rob a bank because its very likely you'll get caught, and will practically ruin the life of any otherwise honest person.

Conversely, drug use, petty shoplifting, and other difficult to trace crimes - which incidentally occur often because of addiction or psychological disorder - are clearly causes where rehabilitation would better serve the person and community. Ultimately, rehabilitation works only in situations where the person does not consciously want to commit the crime, but feel external influences outweigh the risk of punishment.

Learn more about this author, Matt Champagne.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Rehabilitate or punish: How should society treat criminals??
We want to hear your view. Write now!