Barack Obama: Why we must rethink solitary confinement

Re:Barack Obama: Why we must rethink solitary confinement by grumio on Tuesday January 26, 2016 @12:38PM (#10974627)

And one more reason: deterrence. Supposedly, would-be criminals are deterred by seeing others get jail time. Depending on the crime, that purpose is rarely accomplished as well.

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Re:Barack Obama: Why we must rethink solitary confinement by 13thLetter on Tuesday January 26, 2016 @01:39PM (#10975028)

Deterrence exists, but all the research (in the US) suggests it's caused by certainty of punishment, not magnitude of punishment. A two-week stint in jail that's almost guaranteed will do far more to deter criminals than a ten-year stint that almost never happens.

Unfortunately, it's much easier to crank up the penalties and posture as "tough on crime" than it is to make sure police are actually closing cases.

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Re:Barack Obama: Why we must rethink solitary confinement by shkkmo on Tuesday January 26, 2016 @01:17PM (#10974873)

I think that falls under retribution.

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