How Do We Reduce Crime?
How should lawbreakers be dealt with? Is putting them in prison the best alternative for society as a whole?
Crime undermines society. Whether a crime is big or small, violent like assault or fraudulent as in money laundering, it disturbs the public order and ruins lives. It is a problem in every part of the world, and North America, as we will see in the video below, is no exception.
The trillion dollar question is how to deal with crime - and criminals - in order to reduce the problem in the long run. On the one hand, society must strive to prevent criminal activity while also protecting citizens from its harmful consequences. On the other hand, lawbreakers have basic human rights, and just putting them in jail might even turn them into more hardened criminals.
Comprehension
1. According to the video, one way society can respond to crime is by getting tougher and making stricter laws. However, they also suggest an alternative approach. What is their suggestion?
2. Why might sending more people to jail or giving criminals longer jail sentences not be the best way of dealing with the problem?
Discussion
- The makers of the video ask watchers to send them their ideas about what should be done. What would you suggest, taking into consideration the arguments presented in the video as well as your own views on the topic?
- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration is proposing in 2009 to open the prison gates next year for some 22,000 low-risk offenders. They are doing so to reduce the enormous budget deficit. Do you think this is a good solution?
Research
- To be out on parole
- To be out on probation
- To get bail
- To get a court order restriction
Writing
Write a text on the issue using the following words: rehabilitate, improve, empower, deter, protect
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