Crime Would Reduce with Harsher Punishments or Moral Teachings: Do You Agree?
The effectiveness of stringent punishments or moral teachings in reducing crime rate is quite debatable. The followers of the Bible would abide by the principle of retribution that believes in punishment in proportion to the seriousness of the crime.
However, the inherent objective behind punishment must also be understood. If the purpose is merely causing physical suffering on the offender, strident punishment should be the approach. However, if the purpose is to strengthen the moral values in the wrongdoer, then the right approach would be imparting moral teachings to him. In my view, following the balanced approach would definitely be helpful in effectively handling the crime—the right mix of punishment and moral values that show him the right path to follow in life. The convicted ones should also get a chance to reform themselves. For example, breaking the habit of stealing in a person would be more significant than putting him behind bars. However, imprisonment is equally necessary to stop the incidents of wrongdoings further.
Social boycott of the convicted and negative public perception against them leads to further aggravation in their behaviour inclining them permanently towards crime. A far better approach to reduce the crime rate significantly would be to make stringent laws in a country and an efficient police force with a watchful eye for the implementation of the laws. Moreover, passing fast verdicts by the court can also help in reducing the crime rate as the unnecessary delay in court proceedings leads to increase in crime rate. At times, it becomes absolute necessity to enforce stringent punishments. The probable reason for this is that the decision-making in some people towards whether to commit a crime or not is based on the punishment it carries. Such people are more prone to commit crimes which carry little punishment/penalty or provide enough loopholes to escape. Thus, stringent punishment is an effective way to prevent such people in committing crime and, thereby, decreasing the crime rate.
Several psychologists are of the opinions that media also has a big role in increasing the crime rate. Television shows with highly violent programmes are often telecasted that are reflecting in the behaviour of the society.
Some crimes are committed due to forcible circumstances while some are committed out of passion and logic. The decision to punish and on its harshness should be taken based on the nature of crime and the inherent intention associated in carrying it.