Does the law benefit society?

The law is meant to protect us, yet there has been much criticism that it is too lenient. Does the law in fact act in the public interest? As a deterrent? Make our world a safer place?

Most people would say NO! I remember reading just recently, an uninsured, no license driver, of a stolen vehicle knocked over and killed a toddler. He got 3 months imprisonment! Is that justice?

However, this creates the argument: Is it justice that we really want or is it revenge? When we think about people being "punished" for their crimes what do we want? A safer society or repayment to the offender for his crimes. An "eye for an eye" some may say.

Do we want a deterrent or punishment?

Whereas our legal system does not allow "like for like" punishments, many victims and their families feel that this treatment is deserved. Does that mean those people not affected by crime can make the best judgement for punishments?

Should prisoners have rights?

Okay, everyone has rights, but how far should these rights extend to prisoners? Should those who have broken the law have the same rights as the law abiding public? Is it really fair for those who have committed crimes to be allowed to watch television and play pool? Is prison really punishment enough?

Over the last ten years the number of prisoners have increased and it has been suggested that a stint in prison does not deter offending behaviour. Should the UK therefore look towards other means of punishment? Or maybe, they should make prison sentences a bigger deterrent. The figures for re-offending are increasing, suggesting that putting offenders in prison is not successful in stopping them committing crimes.

What about their basic rights? Well okay maybe they should retain the right to life and the right not to be tortured (although this may be controversial in the eyes of their victims), and have the right to live in humane conditions - after all we have abolished the death penalty, but why make prisons such a comfortable place for them to be when they are supposed to be being punished?