In the United States, misdemeanor jail time ought to be replaced with significant rehabilitation.

Because I believe that rehabilitation is better for society than mild jail time, I stand in affirmation of the resolution, Resolved: In the United States, misdemeanor jail time ought to be replaced with significant rehabilitation. To ensure the best possible debate, I offer the following definitions. 1) Misdemeanor: a lesser crime punishable by a fine and/or county jail time for up to one year. (dictionary.law.com) 2) Significant: of a noticeably or measurably large amount (Merriam Webster Online) 3) Rehabilitation: to restore or bring to a condition of health or useful and constructive activity (Merriam Webster Online) My value for this round will be Societal Good. Since we are talking about the Justice System, which was created to protect the people, we must hold Societal Good above all other values in this round. Without Societal Good, the Justice System falls and nothing can be upheld in the round. My criterion for this round will be Utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is the greatest good for the greatest number of people; basically I'm saying that it is any outcome with a desirable end. If rehabilitation can prevent a criminal from committing a crime, rather than just a little slap on the hand punishment, then we will be achieving the greatest good for the greatest number of people and the Affirmative is achieving Societal Good. Contention 1 – Reasoning for Repeat Offenders According to Associated Content in 2007, more than 50 percent of all crimes are committed by re-offenders, and 40 percent to 60 percent of parolees return to prison. In Texas, half of the juvenile offenders become repeat offenders. According to a 1994 study by the U.S. Department of Justice, more than two-thirds of released prisoners were arrested within three years, with more than half of those returning to prison. These rates are so high because the prison system has no level of support for the criminal to re-enter society. After they leave, criminals frequently have little education, a hard time getting jobs and have to return home, which is usually the basis for criminal activity. By separating prison from rehabilitation, the criminal has something to work forward to and a base of support. A great example of this was in 1967, when a petty man, who beat up an old woman for a few bucks, was given the option, by the judge, to go to jail or enlist in the military. After having structure in his life and a base of support, he was a changed man and did not return to jail ever again. His normal behavior use to be mean and violent and he changed to become a prominent member in society. By giving criminals a reason to live, not only would they be benefitting society by no longer breaking the law, but they would also be benefitting themselves. Contention 2 – The rehab process Rehabilitation should mainly be for the first time offender, and rare for the repeat criminal. As a reward for successful completion of the program, the criminal would receive a complete erasure of their criminal record, so the individual can re-enter society with a clean slate. The program must be tough, comprising both education and internal character building. Educational goals should be established for each person. The non-high school graduate would complete high school, not a GED, and complete some college courses. The high school graduate would be required to complete an associate degree. A boot camp style environment will set the tone of the rehabilitation to ensure that it is a complete success. Rehab would be giving criminals a second chance and would benefit society since they would be able to enter the work force, not just as a low level employee, but as an upstanding member of society. Contention 3 – Prison is ineffective When a criminal goes to jail, not only are they not changing their circumstances, but they're making them worse. They will continue having nothing to live for and no basis of support, but they will also receive a criminal record that will hinder any upstanding future they may have. For criminals who are committing minor crimes, they still have a chance to be rehabilitated and can still have a prosperous future.