"PUNISHING WITH LIFE INSTEAD OF DEATH".
I used to think that life in prison was a sufficient punishment for criminals that commited horrible crimes. I don't really think that anymore. I don't like the idea of putting people to death but there isn't any other way to properly punish certain crimes. Convicted criminals shouldnt be given life sentences or the death penalty. They should be forced to work, like making parts for machines or anything that helps out society. Convicts would do this work for their whole lives. I believe in life sentences only if they truly are a punishment. Prisoners sentenced to life should have no way to communicate with the outside world, and absolutely no chance of parole.
Not all people on death row are guilty, the judicial system isnt perfect. I dont like the idea of taking someone's life that could be innocent. But we can't just let people get away with heinous crimes without being properly punished because there's a miniscule chance that they are innocent. If life in prison is so horrible then why doesn't anyone choose to take the death sentence instead? No one does because they know that life behind bars is better than no life at all. A life sentence should be harsh but they arent. Convicts can watch TV, workout, do drugs, have sex, socialize, they can even (in rare cases) get a college degree behind bars. In certain states there is even a loophole that can give inmates, that have a life sentence, a chance of parole. .
Though, Im not saying that prison life the way it is now is a walk in the park. Prison life is very dangerous. Male inmates are likely to get raped by other inmates. Female inmates are likely to get raped by male staff members. Some prison guards can be brutal and in some instances have used rape and set up deadly fights as a way to punish inmates. Prisons are unsanitary, some have feces flooded cells, are full of pests, rodents, and are an easy place for diseases to pass through human contact.
