we need tougher laws and more prisons built
I'm willing to pay higher tax on stuff for more schools, hospitals, higher job seekers, pretty much anything. But not for more prisons.
The continuously locking people away for longer and longer at greater expense clearly doesn't work. Surely finding a way to cut down on re-offending rates is a much better option.
Depends on how you look at it I suppose. Prison clearly doesn't work as a deterrent, and never will do however basic you make the facilities. Re-offending rates are high which surely indicates that people could be doing something more constructive whilst in prison?
Personally the punishment aspect doesn't bother me. I don't care what someone's done. If it can be shown that they are unlikely to re-offend, and get on and leave a constructive life then let them out. Don't give a shit what they've done.