Crime Vs Incarceration Essay

Crime is something that will be around for many years; it is not something that will just disappear from our society. The United States has a high crime rate and this crime rate ranges from drug possession to murder. The question is what crimes are redeemable for incarceration? There is not a definite line due to the fact each crime is different and the penalties can differ. However, when is comes to murder there should not be a second thought about the life sentence. Acts such as drug possession,however, should not be held to a life sentence.

As of 2012, there were about 47.7% prisoners in state and federal prisons for violent crimes in the United States according to Procon.org. This crime included murder, manslaughter, non-negligent manslaughter, rape, other sexual assault, robbery, assault, and other violent crimes. I believe that any crime dealing with murder should automatically deal

with an individual being imprisoned for their entire lives. This includes the individuals that admit that they committed a criminal act, but seek to excuse their behavior by reason of mental illness that satisfies the definition of legal insanity. There is no excuse to harm anyone; the violence that has been spread around the united states is unjust. The only way to fix the problem is to show the individuals that violent crimes are not something that should be taken lightly. I do not find it unlawful to demand an individual to be imprisoned for the rest of their life if in fact they took another human's life or did any other unlawful act such as sexual assault and rape. For example, when it comes to the Brock Turner case I believe he should have been in prison for the rest of his life. Other people that have been in his shoes are still in prison, what makes him any different? The grotesque thoughts of individuals harming another individual is disgusting; there is a fine line between what is taught and the violence portrayed in media settings. There is not a good enough reason why any many should not be held responsible for his action when it comes to abusing a woman. In regards to both murder and sexual assault or rape, there should not be a second thought about imprisoning an individual for the rest of his life. The individual made the choice to do a wrong action, now it is his turn to receive the consequences of the previous choices made. So in turn, yes there are cases where I believe life imprisonment is necessary and would not give it a second thought. Violent crimes deserve the so-called harsh punishment that fits the crime itself.
On the other hand there are some crimes such as drug possession, that I find not to be a crime worth imprisoning someone for their entire life. Now this is not to say that drug are not a negative thing in society, but I do not find such a hard punishment is required for drugs and other illegal substances. This is one of the “acts” that is currently illegal by incarceration and should not be. This is because it is not harming other people, yes it may be harming the individual that is using the drugs or other substances, but it could give more time to look into more serious cases such as murder. Drug possession is one of the many drug related offences that cause for individuals to be imprisoned.According to the Sentencing Project: Fact Sheet Trend In U.S Corrections, harsh sentencing laws such as mandatory minimums keep many people convicted of drug offenses in prison for longer periods of time: in 1986, people released after serving time for a federal drug offense had spent an average of 22 months in prison. By 2004, people convicted on federal drug offenses were expected to serve almost three times that length: 62 months in prison. At the federal level, people incarcerated on a drug conviction make up half the prison population. At the state level, the number of people in prison for drug offenses has increased since 1980. When looking at these numbers it is safe to say that drugs are prevalent in today's society but I do not feel as if people should be imprisoned for life due to the negative impacts of drugs. Yes, drugs alone are illegal but there should not be more focus on drugs and more time spent on holding them in prison compared to other crimes that may have a more serious impact such as a life lost due to someone else's choice.
Lastly, I do not think that all people would change if rehabilitates in prison. This is because not all individuals are willing to change who they are to start over in a way to begin a new life. The basic idea of rehabilitation through imprisonment is that a person who has been incarcerated will never want to be sent back to prison after they have been set free. It is hoped that an inmate’s experiences while locked up will leave such a lasting impression that a former prisoner will do whatever it takes to avoid a second term.Unfortunately, research has consistently shown that time spent in prison does not successfully rehabilitate most inmates, and the majority of criminals return to a life of crime almost immediately. Rehabilitation of prisoners is an extremely difficult process, according to Crime Museum.While in prison inmates are segregated from the general public and forced to live in a society with people for whom crime is a way of life. For many, time spent in prison will push them farther into a life of crime, but for others, the horrors of prison life and the lessons they learn there are enough to deter them from committing crimes again in the future.
To conclude my finals thoughts about punishments of crimes, the incarcerations aspect of it all, and the thought of rehabilitation in prison I will leave beliefs on the situation brief.

I personally think that any crime that has to deal with murder or rape should automatically be given the life sentence, there is not a clear explanation on why someone would be fascinated by hurting or even murdering an individual. Along with this idea of incarceration, I do not find the illegal act of drugs and other substances deemable of the life sentence. There are other crimes in the world that need attention and I do not find drugs a giant problem. Furthermore, I do not believe once the majority of prisoners are let out of prison that the rehabilitation will stick with that individual. Crimes depending on the severity of the action deserves imprisonment, however, there is a line to how much time is enough. After the insight provided I do believe all crimes involving violent actions call for incarceration. Penalties for all crimes can vary in all circumstances; some more severe than

others.