The question of whether we should have set punishments or flexible sentencing has caused a lot of discussion today. While some people argue that fixed rules offer more fairness, others believe that looking at each case individually is better for modern society. This essay will look at both sides before explaining why I believe a flexible approach is better.
On the one hand, there are clear reasons to support standard punishments. The main reason is that it makes the law the same for everyone. This stops different criminals from getting different sentences for the exact same crime. Basically, this system reduces the chance that a judge’s personal feelings will affect the decision. For example, fixed laws make sure that every person is treated equally in court. Because of this, many see this method as the best way to keep order and fairness in the country.
On the other hand, many people think we should look at the reasons behind a crime, and I agree with this view. This idea is based on the fact that every situation is different and we need to understand why someone did something wrong. Looking at a person’s background makes the trial much fairer. This way of working is better because it allows the law to be more kind and helpful. For instance, a poor person who steals food needs help and a job, not a long time in prison. Therefore, looking at the person instead of just the rule leads to better results for everyone.
To sum up, although punishing criminals is a difficult topic with good points on both sides, I believe that looking at the reasons for a crime is much more important than having fixed rules. It is necessary for governments to keep improving these rules to make sure the legal system stays fair and works well for a long time.