Analysis Of Is 61 Years In Prison Enough Retribution

Retribution is seen throughout the criminal justice apparatus as a practice put into place to combat the execution of a crime. In other words, expressing how we as a conformed society are able to evaluate the appropriate response to the completion of a crime. Additionally, throughout time we see how this ideology of retribution has taken the “eye or an eye” approach. Implying that malefactors that partake in wrongdoings should undergo punishment that conveys equality to the intensity of the committed crime.

This overall comprehension of retribution can be demonstrated in the article “Is 61 Years In Prison Enough Retribution?” by Michael Higgins from the Chicago Tribune. Where he goes on to write about a gentleman by the name of William

Receiving three life sentences one for each of the lives he admitted to taking. This idea of an eye-for-eye approach was technically followed through as he was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole and denied clemency when death row was cleared in 2002. However, who is to decide whether or not he is a changed man, he was described as a model prisoner and helped several other inmates receive their freedom. As well as, battling with his physical limitations and maturation as he has aged out of crime. The overall understanding is that he contributed his life to repay the debts of the lives he took, only seeking forgiveness as he tried to become a better person in hopes of an opportunity to be released. Lastly, we see how the Northwestern lawyers referred to Hereins case as one of the grossest miscarriages of justice in United States history. This alone is enough to allow for the argument to arise, is 61 years in prison enough retribution? Referring to how most consider the punishment cruel as Hierens was only 17 at the age of his

This healing process allows the offender to repair the already completed harm. This includes meeting victims’ needs and placing emphasis on the offenders' ability to contribute to those reconstruction processes. Furthermore, we see how restorative justice empowers victims as they search for closure, the ability to portray admiration by the influence of human impact through their behavioral growth, and the stimulated restitution to the victims and communities. A perfect example of this would be the film when watched in class about the Canadian coffee shop that had been robbed and the offender came back to put on an amazing dinner for the community. The goals were to raise money for the coffee shop by repaying for the losses, individual growth, and restoring trust within the community. The individual and community ended up benefiting tremendously from the restorative justice program that is in place in