I know what to say… how about… “don’t murder people if you want to live a good life”
That said, even if this person did commit the crime, I'm siding with GP here: what is the purpose of keeping a human being behind bars for life, if there's no chance they would eventually reintegrate into society? Solitary confinement in particular seems like a medieval torture device designed to drive people mad, rather than rehabilitate them.
If the State wants to remove someone from society altogether, the death penalty is a more humane way of doing that. A life sentence makes no sense in this system, unless someone is benefiting from keeping prisoners alive. In many ways, this is just a modern form of slavery.
Judging by this person's writing, they've somehow managed to rehabilitate themselves despite of their cruel living conditions, which is nothing short of remarkable.
The crimes in question were rape and murder. Are you saying you doubt he actually did those things, or that you think there are some circumstances under which they'd be justified? If the latter, can you elaborate?
- Wrongful verdicts and convictions do happen.
- Is a life sentence the appropriate retribution to society?
- The US prison system works on punishment and exploitation, rather than rehabilitation.
- This person's writing shows remarkable thinking, despite of their environment.
Ironically, research and actual events show that treating criminals with humanity actually yields a net benefit.
I'm asking about what's happening inside those prisons. And what happens to the prisoner after he's released from said environment. Is there a net benefit to society with the current status quo?
I guess in short a better way to put it is this: Is the prisoner reformed and able to reintegrate with society?