‘Convicted criminals lose their freedom and that is punishment enough.’ How far do you agree?

criminals lose their freedom
  • Discuss the purpose of punishment (eg deterrence and compensation) and prison (eg, incapacitation and rehabilitation)
  • Huge recidivist rates at the moment, so the punishment should get harsher
  • The general idea is that prevention is better than ‘cure’
  • The rights of victims need to be acknowledged and protected
  • The guilty need to undergo a radical social as well as psychological change
  • The public needs to feel protected
  • A violation of social rights should automatically dilute rights of the offender.