Some people argue that stricter punishment is necessary to deter crime and protect society from dangerous criminals. They believe that the threat of severe punishment will prevent people from committing crimes in the first place, and that it will also incapacitate criminals who do commit crimes, preventing them from harming others again.
Others argue that stricter punishment is not effective in deterring crime and may actually have negative consequences. They believe that harsh punishments can lead to increased recidivism, as well as other social problems such as poverty and inequality. They also argue that overly punitive approaches to criminal justice can be counterproductive, as they may alienate communities and make them less likely to cooperate with law enforcement.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to implement stricter punishments for criminals is a complex one that requires careful consideration of all relevant factors. There is no single right answer, and the best approach may vary depending on the specific circumstances.
In the United States, there has been a trend toward stricter punishment for criminals in recent decades. This trend has been driven by a number of factors, including increased public concern about crime, a desire to be "tough on crime" politically, and the influence of private prison corporations.
The result of this trend has been a dramatic increase in the number of people incarcerated in the United States. The United States now has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with over 2 million people in prison or jail.
There is some evidence to suggest that stricter punishment has had a deterrent effect on crime. Studies have shown that the likelihood of being arrested and convicted for a crime increases when the potential sentence is more severe. However, it is important to note that correlation does not imply causation, and it is difficult to say for sure whether or not stricter punishment is the only or even the primary factor responsible for any decline in crime rates.
Critics of stricter punishment argue that it has had a number of negative consequences, such as increased recidivism, racial disparities in the criminal justice system, and the erosion of civil liberties. They also argue that it has failed to address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to implement stricter punishments for criminals is a complex one that requires careful consideration of all relevant factors. There is no single right answer, and the best approach may vary depending on the specific circumstances.