Some people believe that young people who commit serious crimes should be punished in the same way as adults.
Do you agree or disagree?
Some feel that adolescents who perpetrate severe offences should receive the same types of punishments as adults. In my opinion, although harsh punishments can act as an effective deterrence against juvenile delinquency, they should not be imposed on young offenders due to the potential for even more serious long-term consequences.
Proponents of the imposition of severe punishments argue that they can deter youth crimes. A lenient legal system risks incentivizing young criminals to take advantage of their status as minors to engage in criminal behavior while facing only negligible consequences, thereby fueling a rise in youth crime rates. For instance, there have been many cases where young criminals admitted that they commit murder and robbery with the expectation of receiving only a light sentence, highlighting how perceived leniency can encourage juveniles to take more extreme risks. In contrast, harsh sentences can hold young offenders accountable for their actions and potentially reduce the likelihood of recidivism. An understanding that severe repercussions may ensue irrespective of age can dissuade juveniles from engaging in criminal activity.
However, I believe that harsh punishments are likely to predispose young criminals to committing more serious crimes in the future. If young criminals are incarcerated, they will be negatively influenced by other more violent and hardened inmates, leading them to adopt increasingly aggressive behavior upon release. Recent research conducted has indicated that teenagers who are sent to jail tend to commit more violent crimes after serving their sentence as they are coerced to join gangs in this environment to gain protection. These young former prisoners then pose a greater danger to society at large as lengthy sentences eliminate opportunities for employment and hinder their reintegration into the community. For example, many employers are reluctant to hire individuals with a criminal record, leaving former prisoners with limited legitimate options to support themselves, which often drives them back into criminal activity
In conclusion, even though strict punishments can deter young individuals from committing crimes, they should not be introduced because they may exacerbate young people’s criminal behavior.
Tổng kết từ:
Thực hiện tội ác: Commit a crime / perpetrate a crime
Dưới eighteen: Teenagers / Adolescents / Juveniles / Minors
Nghiêm trọng: serious / severe crimes
Tội ác: Crimes / Offences
Khắt khe: Harsh / strict
Răn đe: Deterrent (N) / Deter (V)
Tội phạm: Criminal / Offenders
Hậu quả: Consequences / Repercussions
Người ủng hộ: Advocates / Proponents / Supporters
Người phản đối: Opponents / Detractors / Critics
Luật khoan hồng: Lenient
Hợp pháp >< bất hợp pháp: Legal >< illegal
Khuyến khích: encourage / incentivize
Lợi dụng: take advantage of / exploit
Thúc đẩy: Fuel / promote economic growth
Tái phạm tội: Reoffending / Recidivism
Thuyết phục: Persuade >< dissuade
Bỏ zô tù: Imprisoned / Incarcerate
Tù nhân: Prisoners / Inmates
Nhà tù: Prison / Jail
Nhà tuyển dụng: Recruiters / Employers