I agree with you for the most part, except in certain situations. The problem is how to distinguish these situations as I dont believe in a black and white its always x time for y crime, that sort of thing.
For example, a rampant child abuser (sexual) who would say get life in prison. I think they should suffer the entire time, somehow, bring on that moral retribution. I would have to think long and hard to try to come up with something feasible though and not trample too much on morality, ethics, human rights, etc. For instance I chose a lifetime sentence for that example as there would be no need to rehabilitate.
well, that's a minefield, but maybe those make good examples. The instinct to throw these people into a dark hole and lose the key is strong. However, if you despise them so much because you think their crimes are so horrendous, that's even more reason to find something that works. Otherwise, you're placing your wish for revenge above the protection of their victims–exactly the sort of failure to control an instinct you're judging so harshly.
Because this narrative of child abuse as the-worst-of-the-worst crimes does nothing to stop people (harsher punishment really doesn't work very well beyond a certain level). But it does scare people away from seeking help.
I wouldn't have a problem with talking to a psychiatrist, or even friend or family member, about some anger problem that I feared might make me harm someone. They'd understand. But being attracted to children? That sounds like a really quick method to lose everything you have, just by asking for help.
And asking for help would be exactly what we want people with the potential to do: because it's pretty much accepted that sexual orientations are innate, and that sex drive is among the most powerful, hard-to-repress emotions. Of course people who harm others because of a lack of self-control have failed, morally. But, wow, did they not win the birth lottery.
Yeah, which is why I agree for the most part for most crimes. On the one hand, footing the bill to rehabilitate very gross crimes like that doesnt seem like just punishment, and I suppose thats the problem is I think they should be punished. Not sure you can have it both ways, but perhaps.
I do think harsher punishments would be additional incentive for people to keep themselves in check, but that obviously wont work with some, and may incur other undesirable consequences. Anyways, difficult problem for sure.
For example, a rampant child abuser (sexual) who would say get life in prison. I think they should suffer the entire time, somehow, bring on that moral retribution. I would have to think long and hard to try to come up with something feasible though and not trample too much on morality, ethics, human rights, etc. For instance I chose a lifetime sentence for that example as there would be no need to rehabilitate.