Should we punish or reform offenders? - LEx Live Debate

Should we punish or reform offenders? This is an edited version of the first Leicester Exchanges live debate. This event was held at the Tower of London on 23 March 2011.
The panelists for the debate were; Professor Carol Hedderman -- Department of Criminology University of Leicester, Blair Gibbs -- head of crime and justice policy at Policy Exchange, Mark Johnson -- founder of User Voice and Heather Munro -- Chief Executive of the London Probation Trust. The debate was chaired by Professor Sir Robert Burgess, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester.
For further information about the live event see; leicesterexchanges.com/2011/03...
For further information about the "punish or Reform" debate see; leicesterexchanges.com/categor...
For further information about Leicester Exchanges see; leicesterexchanges.com/
This film was produced by External Relations, University of Leicester.
Filmed & Edited by Carl Vivian

[@jonmclee2]

Why is it "dehumanizing" to reach out to a criminal in an attempt to stop their destructive tendencies, but it's perfectly acceptable to throw them in the tank and brand them with a stigma that will stick with them for the rest of their life? Rehabilitation is not dehumanizing, but rather shows we have the ability to control our emotions and deal with the problem rationally. Punishment has its place, but there's plenty of evidence that it alone does little to prevent repeat offences.

[@1971SuperLead]

"Currently we only have one method of punishment, imprisonment." Nonsense! There are also fines and community service. And then of course, after inmates are released from prison, they are punished with a criminal record that takes away many of their rights and makes it nearly impossible to get employment.

[@AlexandraSinko]

Depends on the crime. Anyone want to try and rehabilitate a Dahmer or Bundy?

[@mercianproductions]

If I committed a crime, I'd like to be treated like a human being and rightly punished for what I did. I'd hate to be dehumanised by a society trying to 'reform' me like one of Pavlov's dogs.

[@NPC-bs3pm]

All released criminals should have income tax records and if there is none within a couple years - have a warrant out for their arrest for questioning. Help the criminal work and rehabilitate, HOWEVER only do it so for so far. After all that: throw away the key.

[@pamalaoverlin9135]

You're yet another example of Why the corporate driven prison system is the worst and laziest solution... The biggest winners in the prison system are not society, nor does it Benefit mankind. And in no way is it promoting the Best Evolutionary Potentials for Humanity*Only True and Legitimate Professional Reform situations, will push a more Positive Outcome* Your solution? Puhleeze,Seriously?🙄

[@mercianproductions]

I think you're using the word 'dehumanising' in a different way to me. I'm using it in a literal sense, in the sense that people are dehumanised if they're not treated like people. If a dog does something wrong, we don't assume the dog did it with any bad intentions. It would then be right to reform the dog's behaviour so that it is more acceptable. Because humans are aware of right or wrong, then doing wrong and doing so knowingly should be met with punishment to acknowledge their humanity.

[@byleethomas3190]

You can punish without treating these people like animals also rehabilitation should be mandatory Why not have an island away from any form of society so criminals can be away from public for a wile aka a punishment And the reform is on the island we work To build work plans and and teach meditation teach them that it hurts to hurt others teach them empathy Show them how to be responsible For their actions