Quote:
Originally posted by Arledrian:
If some lunatic walked into your house, shot your family and made a quick getaway, would you rather he was killed or merely put into a (luxurious) prison cell, where he lives out the rest of his days in more comfort than he probably enjoyed before he committed the crime?
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Perhaps we should means test criminals, to make sure they aren't getting more comfort in prison than they would have got outside? Maybe people who were homeless when they were put in jail should have to sleep outside in the yard - wouldn't want them getting all the bed and roof benefits after all
The point of prison is not so people can sleep on bare boards and eat gruel once a day to learn the error of their ways. The point is restriction of liberty. Locking people up for however long so they can't go anywhere, do anything, provide for their family, be a father/mother to their children. Do you honestly think that having a comfy bed or sleeping on the floor would make a difference if you knew that you wouldn't be able to look after your family, raise your kids, that you'd always have trouble getting a job when you got out, that your family would have the stigma of you being in jail? However cosy your cell is, however delicious the meals are, however super the TV shows on cable are doesn't change the fact that you can't leave for years and years. Imagine you in your house, with all your luxuries, your sofas, your beds, your hot water, your TV and computer etc. Now imagine never being able to leave the house. Your family would only be able to talk to you through the front door. There might be hostile people living next to you that might bash you or rape you or worse. I don't think any comforts you might enjoy are going to make much of a difference.