Proposed changes to the prison system

Round 2 is for response to ideas presented in round 1 I like Darth"s focus on a less expensive prison system. I also appreciate his "follow the money" approach to see who is getting rich off the current prison system. I will need a more complete explanation of what he means by "absolute justice" in his opening. 1. Capital Punishment We are agreed on the need for capital punishment. I would push for more checks and balances to try and reduce the number of wrong convictions. I agree that multiple murderers should face the death penalty. I would add killing a peace officer, and treason to the list of offenses where capital punishment becomes the first choice. 2. Violent offenders I agree that corporal punishment is often effective for offenders who are not in the habit of violent crime. I disagree with maiming, as it may take the offender out of the work force, or into a desperate financial situation where they become a further burden on society. There also needs to be a recognition that we live in different worlds. Violence against an elderly person as part of committing a crime needs to be dealt with more harshly than a brawl breaking out in a bar or university drinking event. Violence or weapons use during a home invasion should automatically increase the punishments handed down by the judge. 3. Drug related offenses The term drug related offenses is too broad to be useful in a discussion of law. I assume Darth agrees that there should be no jail time for possession of personal use amounts of drugs that could be referred to as recreational. The complex issues around how to deal with repeat offenders who traffic dangerous substances and are involved in organized crime requires detailed legislation. As a general rule I would want "victimless crime" like drug use and prostitution to be met with rehabilitation and social programs. Those who use drugs or violence to influence people into prostitution are not committing victimless crimes. If death results from drug use, I believe the seller should be responsible for a capital offense. 4. Non violent offenders Corporal punishment and release seems like a simplistic view of a correctional system. Goals of a correction system should include social control, punishment and rehabilitation of offenders, restitution for those affected and helping strengthen society as a whole. This is why we use fines (punishment and restitution), jail time (rehabilitation and keeping dangerous people out of the public) and "volunteer service" as some of our tools in the tool box. I agree that corporal and capital punishment should be added to the tool box. I disagree with any system that limits the tools we can use. Jail time, work release and other creative tools need to be part of our tool box. 5. Adding Value For a correctional system to add value to society it should force inmates to work so they can pay restitution to those damaged by their crime. There are many ways a criminal could add value to society. Even those on death row could (voluntarily) sign up for organ donation or medical research. Shelters for the homeless could be built and maintained by inmates as part of their work experience. Forest management and farm labor are good opportunities for offenders to work towards early release. Other thoughts. The Bible says "When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, people's hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong." [Ecclesiastes 8:11] Not only do we need changes to the prison system, but there needs to be swift justice. The court system for criminal events needs to be changes so the cost of delaying justice falls on the lawyers, and increases the punishments.