Some people think all lawbreakers should be put into prison. Others believe that there are better alternatives. Discuss both views and give your opinion.


As the world witnesses an increasing number of crimes every year, people seem to become a lot less tolerable towards lawbreakers. Some even suggests that all of them should be put into prison. Personally, I can understand why people make such behest, even though their request has clearly gone too extreme. Nowadays, the public is bombarded with horrible news like random shooting on campus and drunk driver hit and run, naturally people feel scared and worried. To lessen their insecurity, they believe that it is necessary to take harsh and strict measures, i.e. putting every lawbreaker behind bars. Even though their cause is reasonable, I do not find it adequate or practical to implement such proposal.

First of all, it is simply impossible in practice to bring every lawbreaker into prison. The number of people who commit small wrongdoings such as petty theft, illegal drug use is surprisingly large. There is not enough of manpower, resources or time to catch everyone in question. Secondly, prisoners are generally not permitted to work outside the facility. Therefore, they make little contribution to the society, at least economically speaking. We, the taxpayers, on the other hand, have to carry the financial burden that the growing number of inmates brings. I believe this money can be better spent on other issues, such as fighting the poverty, promoting education in rural areas or improving current pension system.

There are better alternatives to dealing with the lawbreakers. In my opinion, people with small crimes can be assigned to special manufactories or facilities to help with the production. Not only can they make economic contribution, they are also able to learn and develop new skills, which can be extremely beneficial after their time is due. Alternatively, instead of prison, some of the lawbreakers should enter special educational facilities to get help from professionals. For example, prisoners who behavior violently due to mental illness are better off in an asylum.

To summarize, even though the idea to throw everyone who committed crime into prison sounds understandable, it is in my eyes inappropriate and impractical. Better alternatives exist as how to deal with the crime makers.