**Prisons should not be abolished but need to give greater focus on rehabilitation** There is no question that those who commit crimes should be punished and sometimes have some of their freedoms and rights removed to limit the damage they can inflict on others. However given there are high levels of reoffending and even radicalization in prisons, the process of imprisonment should be reformulated to give offenders a better chance of integrating into society after they have served their time. Prisons should be reformed so that offenders receive the dedicated care and attention they need to prevent these people from reoffending again and then to be able to positively contribute to society. For instance, if they were caught stealing they should be entered into a job training program that continues long after the sentence they receive so that they are able to provide an income for themselves negating the need to steal. Heavier crimes such as murder may not result in a release from prison but better psychological care whilst incarcerated may result in them feeling some empathy for those that have been affected by their crimes.

**TL;DR – The modern American prison system is as ineffectual as it is immoral and should be abolished** Prisons are a tool of oppression and control rather than a means of improving society. Prisons do not have a significant impact on crime as a [deterrent](https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/five-things-about-deterrence) to crime or as a [rehabilitator for criminals](https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/news/2019/may/3/long-term-recidivism-studies-show-high-arrest-rates/). They do, however, have a significant impact on (specifically, Black) communities, [reinforcing systemic disenfranchisement and poverty](https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/media/publications/uk%20report%20-%20poverty%20and%20problems%20re%20prisoners%20families.pdf), and may ultimately _increase_ likeliness of criminality in prisoners' families. The modern criminal justice system, from policing, to sentencing, to even prison architecture, must be scrapped for its negative effects on society. With deeply entrenched racism, this system reifies some of the worst aspects of society, damaging nearly all individuals who go in and out of it, all at a [significant cost](https://www.themarshallproject.org/2019/12/17/the-hidden-cost-of-incarceration) to the taxpayer. The criminal justice system needs to be dissolved and fully rethought in a way that is fair and effective.

**TL;DR - There are benefits of having prisons for society, however the standards of most prisons often disregard any opportunity for rehabilitation** We have to keep society functioning and safe. Sometimes this means removing people form society and punishing criminals for crimes committed in prison.However, research seems to show that [long stints in prison actually do not reduce crime] (https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/6/19/15764176/prisons-abolition-alternatives). So why keep them there? There are two main reasons for me, if someone has committed horrific crimes, they can not be in society, nor can they be expected to re-enter society without in some way repaying for their crime. Prisons are often not there for the justice of the crime, but the justice that is sought after by the victims of these crimes. Prisons actually seem to do nothing in deterring crime, as the problems that cause people to commit certain crimes are [institutional problems.] (https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/big-idea-prison-abolition-social-problems-domestic-violence-a8275636.html). However, I do not agree with capital punishment, people should be given the chance for change. So I think prisons should not be abolished as they do what they are there to do. YET, what they should focus more on is rehabilitation as I believe this is more important for society in the long term.

Prisons should be reformed

The prison population is out of control and rehabilitation is just a word without any substance. I do believe there are those that deserve to be in prison and should stay there. If we were to get rid of prisons where would the worst be housed. I have read where it has been studied that there is no rehab or cure for child molesters. I don't want money wasted on those pieces of you know what just so they can fool the system and another child gets scarred for life. Rehab needs to consist of having opportunities available so that there is a possibility of change for those that want a change.