Zidart said:
people are too willing to look at the punishment rather than the reason for having it there in the first place. It's not one of those, "Don't do this or else!" things. It's more like, "Hey man. Think before you do this because there is a consequence." Capitol punishment is supposed to be a deterrment. When used effectively, it's supposed to carry the idea that if someone commits a crime, there will be a swift consequence. The system in the U.S is horribly broken. In the 19th century, people convicted of crimes were hung from hours to days after judgment. It was quite effective in deterring crime. Now if someone is convicted of a crime, they get to sit on death row for up to ten years and be able to appeal their cases, in some states, over and over again until they die of natural causes.
We have the technology to convict without doubt. We should have the stones to carry out the sentence.
As for change, that is a very small percentage. Most people in prison today are repeat offenders. Meaning they repeat the same actions that put them there in the first place. They complain about not having "rehabilitation." Rehabilitation is a two way street. They have to want to change. Most are either too lazy or too stupid to change. And as such, they recieve their lot in life.