Prison

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Prison

Focal Points

The prison is a facility where inmates are confined through forceful means and denied various freedoms as a punishment by the authority of the federal government or state. It is a result of judicial processes and determi8nationm of the individual as being guilty. The article The Caging of America presents three areas of focus as regards the prison, from the traditional enhancements and its use in the society to the present. The first focal point, which is debatable, is the need for prison within the society as a correction, rehabilitation, or punishment facility. Distinction has to be made according to the needs of the community. The second focal point is the appropriateness of the punishment or sentences served to offenders within the judicial and legal framework. The third focal point from the enabled debate is enabled culture attributed to the offenders once they serve time in the prison facilities.

Explanation

The first focal point is debatable through the parallel arguments delivered on the use of a prison as a correction, rehabilitation, or punishment facility. Proponents argue that it is a punishment facility for offences committed within the society, while opposing sides favor a more enabled outlook of its use as a correctional facility. The second focal point is debatable due to the extreme measures taken in delivery of the sentences to the offenders found guilty of committing crime. The true measure cannot be quantified as it relies on passed legislation and interpretation. In addition, it generalizes the agreed upon mechanism as rectified from time to time. The third focal point is debatable as it is important for determination of the attributes realized after the prisoners have served their sentences. The subsequent effect of returning to the community and re-admission back raises concern on the need for the prison facility (Childress 1).  

Choice

According to the three focal points, the choice for debate is the need for prison within the society as a correction, rehabilitation, or punishment facility. From the onset of traditional handling of crime within the society, issues have always been raised on the sentencing and confinement of the offenders. The essence of a prison should be a correction facility (Roleff 12). The confinement away from the other members of society and deprivation of various freedoms should serve as a reflection point for the offender in order to change the deeds, thoughts, and usefulness to the community. Gopnik (1) argues that it should not be taken as a reward for punishment on the crime committed. Opposing views generated from the focal point denote the extent of crime committed versus the sentencing. The latter requires a negative approach especially when dealing with crimes committed without any intent. However, understanding has to be achieved based on correction in humanity as bound by the occurrence of mistakes versus punishment in light of aggravated intention.   

Summaries

The three focal points are important on determining the need for prisons within the society. Debate comprises on the extent of sentencing, the essence of the facility and the culture enabled after the release of the offender. It is important since the number of offenders in the society has grown exponentially over the years without decreasing, while the severity of crimes committed has become worse. The cost of maintaining the facilities has increased over the years, casing a strain while there is no solution in sight for the problems faced.

Works Cited:

Childress, Sarah. Who’s Locked Up in America? Frontline, 29 April 2014. Print.

Gopnik, Adam. The Caging of America. NewYorker, 30 January 2012. Print.

Roleff, Tamara L. Criminal Justice. San Diego, Calif: Greenhaven Press, 2008. Print.