Punishment refers to a sanction that is enforced when a person commits a crime. In North Carolina, around 1990 punishment and/or rehabilitation under the courts system was entitled structured sentencing. This sentencing included community service, active sentences, or suspended sentences. Rehabilitation on the other hand can be defined as preparing an offender for reintegration back into society after a length of time in prison. Rehabilitation can be programs such as drug courts, education, and/or vocational skills, etc. These programs are thought to help the offender transition back into society and potentially reduce the recidivism rate. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the concept of punishment versus rehabilitation of offenders …show more content…
This type of sentencing was for both misdemeanors and felonies. Each crime was classified as a level and the sentence was equal to that level. The problem with this type of structure was that people who committed DWIs were unable to be punished as harshly than other charges. So that led to DWIs being classified as misdemeanors. The main idea of this sentencing was to be truthful with the sentencing of a defendant and they hoped to end Parole. In 2011, the Justice Reinvestment Act was implemented in the state. The goal of this program was to reduce the money that the state is using on corrections and to reinvest the funding into more community programs that will deter and decrease crime while strengthening individual …show more content…
The victim may not feel secure if and when an offender is released. The effect of society regarding the use of punishment rehabilitation differ but depend on the costs of correctional facilities that is increasing to the lose of the traditional family structure. It also depends on how much society fears the release of criminals released back into the community. Society’s believes in the “just desserts” theory that is often seen in the courts. Mandatory sentencing has also been an issue with society because they want to be tough on