It is rightly stated that ‘one key cannot fit every lock’. Some people hold the belief that a set punishment for every crime is more beneficial. But can we apply rigid laws in every single instance? In this essay, I will discuss the pros and cons pertaining to this approach.
On one hand, having a fixed punishment for every crime is an effective strategy to ensure that offenders are punished in a just manner. Since the penalty is already established, there are few ways to bypass it, ensuring that the system functions with transparency and fairness. In this way, the victims and their families are assured that they will receive justice without any deviation from certain rules. Further, such methods are crucial to reinforce the public’s belief in the law and entities that execute and safeguard them. In addition to this, such fixed penalties aid in keeping violent criminals locked up, as well as minimizing the possibilities of potential reoffences to a certain degree.
On the other hand, the context behind a crime is often a legitimate justification as to why the act was carried out in the first place. While most violent acts are premeditated and are driven by malicious intent, there are instances where individuals are either coerced or perform the deed in self-defense. In such cases, the background proves to be a deciding factor in determining the severity of the punishment. Such situations often require the law enforcement, as well as the judicial system to possess an element of compassion and understanding. Although condemning such perpetrators to harsh punishment is appropriate as far as their crime is concerned, it perpetuates a vicious cycle of crime.
To conclude, even though, fixed punishments could be an appropriate course of action for majority of convicts, this approach could do substantial harm to individuals who had no control over their actions. It would overlook the individuals who, despite being criminals in the eyes of the law are victims of their circumstances. Such an obsolete delivery of justice lacks the empathy and skills required to deal with complex and nuanced cases.