Prisons were first created as a place to hold prisoners before trial. Over the years, it developed into a substitute for types of harsher punishments, such as corporal and capital punishment. In many countries, prison is the harshest punishment for anyone convicted of a criminal offence. However, whether this system works is debatable, as prison may not suit all criminals’ needs. However, proponents of prisons argue that prison does reform prisoners and remains the only feasible option.
One key aim of the prison system is to act as a deterrent, both to prisoners and members of the wider community. For some, even the thought of a lengthy sentence can deter them from committing the crime in the first place. As a result, this can reduce both crime and recidivism rates. However, research has shown that this depends on the length of the sentence. Those who have shorter sentences are likely, to an extent, to be deterred from committing crimes. However, those who are sentenced for longer may not be deterred. Therefore, prison may not be the answer for all criminals.
Prisons are not just meant to act as a deterrent, but are places for criminals to be supported. Many prisons offer programmes aimed at improving inmates’ lives. For example, prisons run education programmes and vocational training. The purpose of these schemes is for prisoners to develop life skills that will enable them to cope with life outside prison. Living in the wider community is a stark contrast to serving a prison sentence and this only emphasises the importance of these programmes. Those who advocate for prison as a consequence to a criminal offence would argue that only prison can offer such schemes, making this the best option, as prisoners can be punished and improve vital skills simultaneously. Services such as counselling are also provided, which allow prisoners to look after their mental health. Moreover, a key part of a prison sentence is rehabilitation. In 1779, Great Britain passed The Penitentiary Act, which included rehabilitation as an essential part of prison life. In the modern day, rehabilitation is regarded as crucial in helping prisoners to reform themselves and prepare for a life outside of prison. There is evidence to suggest that rehabilitation reduces recidivism rates, therefore emphasising the importance of this.
Furthermore, prison not only impacts on prisoners themselves but also others in the wider community. One purpose of the legal system is to provide justice to those who have been wronged. A conviction and sentencing can, to an extent, bring comfort to the victims and loved ones of victims of these crimes. For some, the punishment of the perpetrator can be considered to be a part of healing. The act of sending someone to prison in itself is symbolic of justice. Needless to say, housing criminals in prison, particularly those who have committed serious crimes, means that society can be shielded from the dangers of such people. This is because it leads to incapacitation, rendering it difficult for them to commit crimes. Keeping prisoners separate from society, even if it is a temporary measure, ensures that the wider public can be kept safe.
However, not everyone agrees with using prison as a method of punishment. There are various reasons for this. For example, the mental and physical health of prisoners are at risk, and despite the services available, it is not necessarily satisfactory. Prisoners suffer a variety of mental health conditions, including eating disorders, self-harm. In the United States alone, up to 15% of prisoners suffer from a chronic mental illness, and serving a sentence in prison will only exacerbate these problems. In addition, there are issues such as violence and harassment, from fellow inmates and prison officers alike. Opponents of prisons argue that such factors mean that prison is unsuitable and unethical.
People who advocate for alternative methods also argue that recidivism rates are not reduced through prison sentences. People released from prison are more likely to re-offend than those given sanctions in the community. This shows that prison is not as effective as it may seem. Up to half of people released from prison re-offend within two years. Recidivism is not only dangerous, but it is also costly. According to The Lancet, the annual cost of re-offending in the UK is over £18 billion. Opponents of prison say that the cost of re-offending is another reason that prison should be reconsidered.
People may find life after prison difficult, too. Formerly incarcerated individuals find it difficult to secure a job after release. Research has shown that employers do discriminate against those who hold a criminal record, making it difficult for people it difficult to seek employment after serving a prison sentence. In the United States, there are approximately five million formerly incarcerated individuals. The employment rate for this group is at over 27%, which is over the highest unemployment rate during The Great Depression, which at its height was nearly 25%. The discrimination and struggles that former prisoners suffer shows why a prison sentence remains a hindrance even later in life.
Ultimately, one can draw the conclusion that prison does not work, as it is not effective in reducing recidivism rates and it comes as a cost to those who undergo the system. However, it remains the most viable option in society and is arguably one of the most humane, which means that this system will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
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