Punishment Philosophy Punishment is seen as one of the pillars of life and society. Yet the view of punishment is deeply intertwined with the different philosophies of punishment that have become norms throughout time. While many see punishment through polarized lenses of retribution and vengeance, it should be utilized as a positive tool towards rehabilitation which in turn turns the heart away from sin.
Rehabilitation
The goal of rehabilitation, whether while incarcerated or through less punitive measures such as diversion programs, is to help offenders reform and treat the vices in their lives that cause them to break the law. “The process of engaging individuals in efforts to change their criminal attitudes and dispositions can be viewed …show more content…
The prevention and reduction of recidivism rates can be achieved through Adult Diversion Programs where individualized intervention programs are developed by Diversion Program Specialists. “Diversion programs function to ameliorate the problem of overcrowded courts and jails, reduce overall costs to society and treat nonviolent offenders with health care instead of incarceration” (Morrison, 2013). First time non-violent offenders are then facilitated with and required to complete offense specific programs and generalized programs. These generalized programs target the procurement of education, employment, treatment and counseling while also promoting restitution through community service and payment to victim(s). The benefits of diversion programs are wide spread with the rehabilitation of offenders by giving them a second chance and its cost effective reduction of caseloads for the Criminal Justice …show more content…
However, God does not punish but rather utilizes discipline and rehabilitation towards sinners. “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26, English Standard Version). With the ill effects of mass incarceration showing themselves within the Corrections System in the United States, the punishment philosophy of rehabilitation must take center stage away from retribution and vengeance. “You brought us into the net, you laid a crushing burden on our backs; you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance” (Psalm 66:11-12, English Standard Version). Therefore, the tough on crime mentality must then change towards combating the vicious cycle of criminality and dysfunction by following Jesus’ example of reaching out and not labeling and casting out those who are weak and
Rehabilitation
The goal of rehabilitation, whether while incarcerated or through less punitive measures such as diversion programs, is to help offenders reform and treat the vices in their lives that cause them to break the law. “The process of engaging individuals in efforts to change their criminal attitudes and dispositions can be viewed …show more content…
The prevention and reduction of recidivism rates can be achieved through Adult Diversion Programs where individualized intervention programs are developed by Diversion Program Specialists. “Diversion programs function to ameliorate the problem of overcrowded courts and jails, reduce overall costs to society and treat nonviolent offenders with health care instead of incarceration” (Morrison, 2013). First time non-violent offenders are then facilitated with and required to complete offense specific programs and generalized programs. These generalized programs target the procurement of education, employment, treatment and counseling while also promoting restitution through community service and payment to victim(s). The benefits of diversion programs are wide spread with the rehabilitation of offenders by giving them a second chance and its cost effective reduction of caseloads for the Criminal Justice …show more content…
However, God does not punish but rather utilizes discipline and rehabilitation towards sinners. “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26, English Standard Version). With the ill effects of mass incarceration showing themselves within the Corrections System in the United States, the punishment philosophy of rehabilitation must take center stage away from retribution and vengeance. “You brought us into the net, you laid a crushing burden on our backs; you let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance” (Psalm 66:11-12, English Standard Version). Therefore, the tough on crime mentality must then change towards combating the vicious cycle of criminality and dysfunction by following Jesus’ example of reaching out and not labeling and casting out those who are weak and