A prison system can be effective if set up correctly. Look at Russia, nobody wants to go to jail there . If they were better off financially as a nation I think they'd see much lower crime rates.

Coming from California, however, I can tell you our prison system is a joke. Many people look forward to getting into prison because its easier than being on the streets. They are well fed, they often get access to books, televisions, games, and even sports rec leagues and such. Their medical is fully covered by the state and there isnt any real back breaking work to be done other than fighting off your prison mate when he's feelin 'the need'.

I believe that criminals convicted of the most heinous crimes should not sit on death row for years. They should be given a shot within the week and we call it a day. I believe those that serve life long sentences should look forward to long hours under the sun or in the cold repairing our highways, tilling the earth, and in general doing the tough jobs nobody else wants to do that give back to the community. *THEY* acted out against society, they should pay the price of giving back to it. "Free time" shouldn't be lifting weights and playing basketball or sitting in your cot with your favorite book. "Work" shouldn't consist of picking up litter on the side of a highway, thats just community service for people who start fights or drink and drive and such. Unfortunately, Caltrans and other labor unions would throw a hissy fit if they lost work or contracts to prison labor. Unfortunately, politics win out more often than not.

I don't think life should be overly grueling for light sentences... I understand things happen, but it shouldn't be cake either. Those that are meant to live there for 10+ year sentences, though, they need to pay for their 30,000$ a year.

As an aside: The guard system needs to be restructured as well. I have a friend that is a guard and he makes over $100,000 a year after overtime his first year. I won't make that as a professional with a doctorate in my field. His FIRST year... Its only going to go up from there and nobody deserves that for spending most of their time sleeping at a desk (and he does). Its especially bad with the ones who are watching over inmates at hospitals. There MUST be at least 2 guards at all times and they're 100% on overtime from the minute they arrive. Its weak.



this is someone elses writing.. i think i agree with it lets see what you guys think?
BlAzInIt4:20 Reviewed by BlAzInIt4:20 on . Does the prison system really work to correct criminals? A prison system can be effective if set up correctly. Look at Russia, nobody wants to go to jail there . If they were better off financially as a nation I think they'd see much lower crime rates. Coming from California, however, I can tell you our prison system is a joke. Many people look forward to getting into prison because its easier than being on the streets. They are well fed, they often get access to books, televisions, games, and even sports rec leagues and such. Their medical is Rating: 5