Judicial System Paper
Mini Paper 3
OK, I've changed, ...honest. Now let me go home!
It is clear to me that an inmate who leaves prison with the same education,
the same job skills, the same employability rating, the same social circle,
the same decisions making processes, the same personal / spiritual values,
etc. They had before they were incarcerated will re-offend; that is, will
commit another crime once they are released from the confines of the
institution. In that case, what should happen to the inmate who hasn't
"changed" by the end of their criminal sentence?
Some say leave him in prison...which is a little troublesome because the
Constitution says he can't be deprived of liberty without due process of law
and he has already served his sentence for the crime he committed. Some say he
has to be released (see above)....which seems wrong since we know that he is
likely to commit another crime, which means another victim's loss, pain,
suffering or maybe death. Isn't the criminal justice system responsible for
protecting the community from such predators.
What about the other side? What should happen to an offender who clearly and
convincingly has changed, and still has a significant amount of time on his
sentence. Should that individual be kept behind bars at the expense of the
taxpayers, under state care, custody and control, until at least he is
eligible for parole; or should he be released.
Mini Paper 3
Name
Institutional Affiliation
The judicial system is a critical component of any society, and it is one that must be respected. This is because the judicial process is essential to the correction of offenders and convicted felons. The true essence of correctional facilities is to ensure that convicts are given the time and opportunity to critically reflect on their criminal pasts, and to possibly effect positive change within themselves (Delaney, 2004). While this facility is not a guarantee of change, some convicts actually do change, and for the better at that.
However, some ‘radicalized’ convicts may refuse to mend their ways, and opt to instead serve out their terms and return to their criminal activities. While releasing such convicts is a potential hazard to the safety of the general public, the law clearly dictates that the...