Alternative Incarceration

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, by analyzing the legal codes in other historical contexts and cultures, it is evident that alternatives to incarceration have always existed, most of which were far more brutal than any punishment currently handed out by the U.S. justice system, excluding the death penalty. The author points out that, historically, society rarely used forced confinement as a means of punishing criminals; for example, the ancient Babylonian culture society felt that the punishment should fit the crime, resulting most often resulted in monetary restitution, bodily mutilations or even death. The paper relates that dungeons became commonplace in the Middle Ages and during the Spanish Inquisition; however, in these early prisons, incarceration was still a secondary form of punishment to more brutal methods such as torture.

From the Paper:

"The Hebrews, like the Babylonians, also felt that punishment should be harsh and fit the crime. The Biblical books of Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy provided a strict moral and legal code that every Hebrew had to follow, with punishments prescribed for failing to adhere to each. This legal code also followed the same lines as the Babylonians, as it is stated in Deuteronomy 19: 21 "And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot". There are no direct references to incarceration in this legal code either; however forced slavery is sanctioned for some crimes."

More papers on Alternative Incarceration:

• Research Paper # 93942 : "Incarceration and the Drug Offender"
• Analytical Essay # 141849 : "Alternatives to Incarceration"
• Term Paper # 129449 : "Alternatives to Incarceration"

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