There has been considerable controversy between critics of the idea that punitive measures for the offenders are more effective than attempts at reforming them. There are many people who support the severe type of punishment where they prefer severe penalties in order to control the criminal activities as fear is the best mechanism to deter people. However, research has inclined to the opinion that perhaps punishment, though provides temporary cure in deterring the individuals from re offending, do not address issues that compel one to offend.
Long-term imprisonment more specifically can be classified as punitive since they are aimed at retribution rather than rehabilitation. It may indeed relieve the society by taking some people off the streets, but it is not effective in preventing the repeat of the crime. A number of times, new forms of criminality are learned in prison and commoners are not equipped with knowledge that can alter their way of life.
On the other hand rehabilitation has the element of correcting individuals through counseling, education, and occupation training. This approach tackles issues such as substance abuse, unemployment, or illiteracy among the affected individuals. It is a fact that any rehabilitative programs are more effective as far as the risk of recidivism is concerned and makes the society safer in the long run unlike a situation where you only suppress the criminal.
Furthermore, studies confirm that rehabilitation costs less than punishment with imprisonment. Whereas, imprisonment costs the taxpayers’ money and does not rehabilitate the offenders, efforts towards rehabilitation are made to make them useful members of the society again. Supporting human development, not abuse, of human capital leaves us with a better society and ends the never-ending circle of criminality.
Long-term crime reduction strategy requires far more than a heaping dose of fear. Aside from lowering the rate of recidivism, another efficiency of rehabilitation is restoring agency and enabling people to become law-abiding citizens. Nevertheless, there are cases that can be easily warranted with an iron hand of law, the justice mechanism, based on transformation, is more beneficial and humane where crime prevention is concerned, in the long run.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, Though short term prohibition may provide compliance it does not cause behavioral modification. Criminal rehabilitation as compared to punishment because it ensures that the person gets to change his way more so that he or she will not reoffend again. Rehabilitation in this situation turns out to be more productive than punishment, which is paramount in the justice system since it enhances a safer responsible society.
