In case I wasn't clear: I think any sensible policy has to include punitive measures, along with adequate support.
What sort of punitive measure is appropriate to use on someone whose doctor turned her into an alcoholic? What sort of punitive measures are appropriate for use on depressed people?
"Sensible policy" would acknowledge that prison usually makes people's actual behavioral problems worse.
Indeed.
Prison is not the only form of punishment, and indeed it is not the most effective (in a large, if not overwhelming, majority of cases).
I think if you stopped and caught your breath, you'd realize we're mostly in agreement.
Like the OP who claims that all punishment is problematic?
>how is this anything other than empty?
As you so astutely observed, I have nothing of substance to add to that part of the discussion.
Where I do have something of substance to add is with respect to an oft-repeated factual error about brain development, and a broader misconception about the problems involved in punitive measurements.
For someone worried about pedantry, you sure seem to be splitting hairs.
Careful, "developing" is very much a weasel word in these contexts. Brains are "developing" until death. That's very much their purpose: to change as a function of input.
Also, "punishment" is a bit of a weasel word in this context. It's quite clear that some form of punishment is instrumental in the proper development of the brain, especially with regards to social norm. This holds even with people in the depths of despair.
The issue is about whether we're actually punishing in a constructive way, and whether we're simultaneously extending a helping hand.