Article Critique: The Case Against Privatization

Improved Essays
Article Critique III
Bridget Houston
Liberty University
CJUS 500-B01 Fall 2017 LUO

Abstract
The following article critique examines two articles: “The Case Against Privatization”, written by Avihay Dorfman and Alon Harel, and “Contracting for Performance: Restructuring the Private Prison Market”, written by Peter H. Kyle, which examine two opposite opinions on the privatization of prisons. “The Case Against Privatization” argues against the privatization of prisons. Whereas, “Contracting for Performance: Restructuring the Private Prison Market” argues for the reform of prison privatization. Each article presented in this critique has a background, strengths, and weaknesses.

Article Critique III
The practice of contracting
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These acts should be carried out by agents of the state. In order to be an agent of the state, one must have certain characteristics as public officials to carry out the state’s tasks (Harel, 2013). The public official then carries out duties in the name of the state (Harel, 2013). The government cannot name just anyone an officer of the state. There needs to be requirements (Harel, 2013). Because the private entity is not appointed as a state official, he can deem appropriate punishment for offenders. This leads to harsher punishments which are inhumane (Harel, 2013). This violates the offender’s dignity (Harel, 2013).

Article 1 - Critique of Strengths and Weaknesses of the Article

Strengths This article makes good arguments against the privatization of prisons. The government is the ruling body. If prisons are privatized, the governments ruling effects lessen. Since the government established the laws, the government should be the entity to carry out the punishments for breaking the laws. This article also points out the disparity in morals by entrusting another entity to fulfill the governments duties.
Weaknesses

This article does not contain any formulated data to back up its viewpoints. This article relies solely on the thought processes of other people. While this article establishes a good foundation, data to back up its claims would be beneficial.
Article
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It is an immoral relationship since the people who run private prisons do not care about “saving” any souls of the offenders (Jablecki, 2013). Private prisons are against any type of reform because it would mean a decrease in their profits (Jablecki, 2013). Christians should be attentive to the whole criminal justice system (Tammeus, 2016). Private prisons are in business to make profits not reductions in incarceration and recidivism. Jeremiah 12:13 states, "They have sown wheat and have reaped thorns, They have strained themselves to no profit But be ashamed of your harvest Because of the fierce anger of the LORD." To profit off the misery of others, whether they have committed sins or not, is not the Christian way of doing things. When government and private companies seek to do business to make profits at the expense of human decency, is the root of evil. There is a saying, “Make prophets, not profits!” “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10,

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