But to me it is not a case of punishment or retribution.
If people are a danger to society then keep them out of the system.
What value is there in punishment.
Now I do believe in recompense, and if the offenders can make some contribution to the families of their victims then great. Whether that be by confiscation of wealth or future earnings I don't care. NO, it doesn't make up for the harm they have caused.
That doesn't mean I advocate that they are just free to continue their lives.
We try to reeducate our kids when they do wrong, and sure that won't work in every case, but punishing has such little redemptive effect and only gives us short term relief.
Where correction is possible then it should be attempted, where it is not possible then protect society by keeping them incarcerated.
I gain no pleasure in the punishment/torture of another.
There was a time when I would have taken the life of another for the death of one of my loved ones, now I see it as retrograde. Pperhaps it comes from getting older and wiser or more hopeful.
Maybe it is false hope but the alternative is a return to primitive society.
