Asking the question as to why our society chooses to punish has always been a practical one. Why is it that our laws are they way they are? Members of society have decided that rules must be followed in order to remain within their society. If someone decides to negate these laws that are set, they will be punished in some way. This is the reason as far as why we decide to punish. It is important to understand furthermore what the punishment is actually doing for society though.
America is among the top developed nations in the world. There are obviously many reasons as to why we are such a highly developed nation and the security of our citizens is very important to each individual. The laws that are set up in our nation are designed to initially keep each citizen safe and law-abiding. If someone chooses to break the law they are punished through four types of punishment; a fine, probation, incarceration, and more severely, capital punishment. Each one of those punishments has a different effect on the offender, as well as society. I think that these punishments are very reasonable for whatever the offender commits, and in the end has to follow. But turning to the initial question as to why we punish, there are a few good explanations.
I found an interesting poll on a forum that twenty people voted on as far as why it is important to punish. The poll can be seen at: http://forums.govteen.com/debates-discussions/321088-most-important-reason-punishing-criminals.html. There were four possible choices for why punishing criminals is necessary; retribution, rehabilitation, deterrence, and societal protection. The answer that received the most votes was societal protection, with ten votes. I would agree and vote for the same choice. The other three are important factors when it comes to why punishment is necessary, but I think that the protection of members in society is the number one reason. Citizens of America have a lot of freedom and rights, which is due to the huge success of our laws. Keeping people safe is a huge priority for America, and having a person on the streets that is hurting others through violence and such, must be punished. I think that we choose to punish the way that we do for the sole purpose of protecting our citizens, and providing them with a sense of security at all times.
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