Slogans from politicians and media hysteria about crime are not nearly as useful as proper research into the causes of and cures for crime. Humanists are morally obliged to look favourably at any approach that works. Some facts Prison doesn't work very well. Many inmates come out fitter and more skilled criminals - being locked up with other criminals must be boring and terrifying, but one way of passing the time and making friends is exchanging advice about how to commit crime and contacts. Numbers of murders do not rise when capital punishment is abolished.
Most criminals are young men from the lower socio-economic groups.
Some criminal behaviour begins very young, particularly in sectors of society where it is tolerated, or even a source of status.