İrem Kılıç - 5

Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, believe there are better alternative ways of reducing crime.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Crime has been a problem since human history. To find a solution for this, there have always been many different offers. While some people believe that long duration in prison is the best way to decrease crime, others claim there are more efficient ways of lessening the crime rates. This essay will discuss both points of view.

It is true that giving longer jail sentences might reduce the crime rate in the society because of several reasons. To begin with, criminals in the prison have limited access to the outside world. This could cause them to feel lonely, anxious, or depressed and, no doubt, having a bad psychology in jail makes life much harder for them. They may not eat or sleep very well. A prisoner who experienced this may decide to commit an illegal act never ever. Another contribution of long years of imprisonment on reducing crime rates may be due to poor living conditions in jails. For instance, prisoners usually have a small room with one bed and a toilet only. Also, these rooms generally are shared with other people. Even if they are the only person staying in the room, prisoners need to share other areas to eat food and take a bath. There is no privacy. As a consequence of the uncomfortable life conditions they are experiencing, they may stay away from committing illegal activities in order to never be a prisoner again.

Nevertheless, I believe there are more humanist and effective ways of preventing people from breaking the laws. Most of the illegal acts that are committed stem from the need for money. After prisoners return back to their everyday lives, they are having difficulties in finding decent jobs. This situation may force them to commit crime again because they need to sustain their lives. To forestall this situation, the government can provide them with convenient jobs after their discharge from jail. In this manner, the crime rates will naturally decrease. Beside this fact, illegal acts can be also diminished if people get educated. There are numerous evidences that show education is one of the most important factors leading people to act more well-behaved. Moreover, education not only helps people find a job easier but also provides them with higher incomes and having a good quality of life that can keep people away from violating laws.

To conclude, staying longer duration in prison might reduce crime but I think there are better alternative ways to achieve this aim, including providing proper jobs and presenting necessary education for the committers after their leave from the jail.