Why do we send people to jail?
475414
we put them in there from keep doing it again and might hurt someone.and putting them in jail they could instantly learn that what they did was the wrong thing to do.they should know that doing something bad would make their life a living hell in jail and they dont want to go to jail again.how old are you?
786706
Making people "do the time" (i.e. imprisoning them) is not always the best solution anyway. For non-violent first time offenders, non-custodial punishments (e.g. a period of community service) have been shown to produce a far lower re-offending rate than banging people up.\n\nRe the example above - I think that something that happens behind closed doors between two consenting adults should not punished. It may be distasteful to you, but then again, it's none of your business.
200663
It isn't for excuses, it is so they GET THE POINT!!!!\n\nPutting them in jail would be WORSE, but they deserve to be smacked around for not supporting their children!  \n\nSCUM SCUM SCUM!
1002489
Because he or she values his/her freedom.  Better homeless and free than be put behind bars
1065211
This is a doozy hard question.\n\nDeath penalty is not an answer because we are the killers also, if we condoned the killing of killers. In a way it makes sense for many in our society to live by the rule "an eye for an eye" but in another sense we will turn into the killers, and that's supposedly what we're trying to get rid of?\n\nIt is cheaper for the prisoners to stay in prison for the rest of their life, rather than executing them. If a prisoner has a better life among society then prison will seem harsh, death will only make it easier as then they won't be living with the guilt. But if they have a shitty life in the society, then prison doesn't seem so bad because everything is paid for in there and they live as if they never lived before. On the other hand if we kill them, we rid them of guilt and any responsibilities so it seems better to let them “rot” in prison. But yet it goes back to my point about them living an easier life in prison.\n\nSo to me, it is a catch 22 for the people involve excluding the prisoner as they are the winners in the outcome of any jurisdiction. Life in prison, or death. This probably doesn't answer the question but actually stir up more issues but I wanted to put in my few cents. =)
202131
yes, we do. It is pretty sad when someone has been convicted of a crime, goes to prison, has a tv in every cell, can have a friend bring them a vcr, and food, when they visit. I'm sure not all do this, but there are a lot that do. I know, because I have a friend in prison right now. Going to prison is supposed to be a punishment, not a vacation.
130750
why would i tell you then i would get sent to jail.
643606
Sorry Inmates but I feel That prisoners are in jail for crimes committed: Why is it that we have to keep them entertained by using computers that have access to cause more harm.This also gives way to much access to outside connections from the lives that they affected before going into correctional facilities. I'm sure that there are a lot of other people can benefit from use of computers that just can't afford them. That is why we have JAILS right;;;
647514
punishment is not the answer.  throwing addicts in jail does not stop the problem. I worked in substance abuse for a few years and all the doctors felt our drug laws were stupid.\n\nwhat addicts need is REHAB. and if they refuse rehab, then just let them die in the streets. that is FREE! what could be more conservative than FREE!  \n\nI am an addict. clean almost 7 years. but if I used again, I would want my family to cut me off, and change their locks.\nbut throwing peopl in jail just costs the taxpayers money.\n\nthe first answer was good. just give addicts the drugs and let them either die, or get clean.
412022
Age old question.  An eye for an eye.  It's the final way we have as a society of saying to those who commit murder that we will not tolerate the behaviour.  Unfortunately, jail and the death penalty do not seem to be a deterrent to those who commit the crimes - otherwise we'd have empty prisons and no such thing as death row.
118821
When they are committing a CRIME, they already ARE a criminal. It is not making a criminal out of a "normal" person. And face it folks, illegal drugs are just that, ILLEGAL. Hence, they are against the law and posession or distribution of them is a criminal act. Someone committing a criminal act, is by definition a criminal. It is that simple.\n\nAs for jail time. It depends on the person, the history, etc. Just as with many other crimes, the judge must weigh all the facts and make a decision. But if the judge deems that jail time is right for that offender, then jail time it should be. If you do the crime, you have to be ready to pay the piper. And these drug using morons cannot use ignorance as an excuse. They KNOW it is a crime. It is puzzling why they think that their will is greater than the will of the country, and the law. The "if it feels good to me it must be ok" mantra that is prevalent in much of the younger generation is getting out of control.
85281
Dude, if you're talking to the cops you're goin' DOWN!\n\nBest way to avoid jail is not to do anything that makes the cops want to talk to you.\n\nUnder the radar, bro! Under the radar!
1138686
In our society we believe that all should have basic rights. Criminals have more access to these not because they have more rights, but because they no longer have access to the outside world. They cannot go out and earn money for things like doctors and dentists. As for visitation, they can lose those rights. To be punished there must first be something to punish with. Since criminals have already lost so much, the system manufactures new ways to punish these people. So they allow visitation and other things in order to reward or punish the criminal. It is simple conditioning. What else would they have to behave for if these things weren't available.\nI agree sometimes though that it seems that they "have it made." Most of us cannot go see a dentist when we need one. Why don't we just let them suffer? Unfortunatly this country believes in human treatment of its prisoners. Need a tooth filled? steal a car!\ndoesn't seem quite fair that they get stuff when there are innocent people starving and dying on the streets.
705987
I'm with you  = put them on a plane and ship them to wherever they call home since they don't consider the US.home by a consistent failure to integrate into our society.  My taxes will go down with the jail costs decreasing...across the USA.
887028
Nope your right these folks committed crime and were sentenced to a term in jail. Jail is a place where you have restricted freedom and privileges. The human writes brigade think this is wrong. I think it is character building keep them swilling out there own pig pens this way they may begin to learn the advantages of not living in a prison. From there its not a great leap for them to understand what they did wrong that got them there in the first place. All while they have PlayStation's, television, three square meals, books, education, medical system better than NHS, drugs, you name it they got it where's the deterrent????
741820
The problem is our judicial system is very flawed.  There are many innocent people in jail, and guilty ones in the street.  I agree some people are given lighter sentences than what they deserve and others harsher than they deserve.  But our system is what it is, if you don't plan on getting out there and trying to make a change then there is no point in complaining about it.  I am back and forth on the issue of the death penalty,  but to answer your question, yes there should be certain criteria for sending someone to deathrow.   There should be certain regulations.  But every crime is different, and until it happens to you or someone in your family it is hard to say.  and that goes for being the defendant or the victim.  it is hard on both families.
1182306
It is atrocious to jail people without a trial, a lawyer or even one phone call; how can the US say that they are a "free" country?\n\nI am completely fine with locking up criminals but there has to be a process and evidence or the US just becomes a dictatorship.\n\n\n\nWe can not appeal to the conscience of the world when our own conscience is asleep.\nCarl von Ossietzky