Sunday, August 10, 2008

Learning Lessons

There are several possible justifications for sending someone to prison. Some argue it is for retribution. Others might say deterrent or rehabilitation. A fourth possible reason would be incapacitation. I've written about this in the past, myself.

Whatever the purpose of sending someone to prison, I think most people would hope that the end result is the same - that those convicted do not commit the same crime again. We know that often, that is not the case and the individuals will end up committing crimes again, but at least we can hope.

What do we do with those who refuse to learn their lessons, though? At what point do we say enough is enough? Habitual offenders, people who commit the same crime over and over again. Is it wrong to sentence an individual to a life sentence for DWI? How about a 3rd DWI? How about a 10th? If not 10, then how many times does one have to commit a crime before he's clearly shown he cannot amend his ways and act in a manner consistent with what we expect from our citizens...

1 comment:

photog said...

While a life sentence for DWI might seem extreme, the guy is playing Russian roulette with the lives of fellow drivers. I would rather he pay with a life sentence than them.