Currently, people’s opinion are divided on how to punish those who break the law especially those who committed minor crimes.
Some believe all lawbreakers should be sent into prisons regardless the degree of the crime he or she has committed. It is not difficult to understand why this type of thought exits. A country’s law is the cornerstone of the country’s order thus anyone who dares to violate it is supposed to be punished severely. In this way, the criminals will remember the price they paid for what they have done and never break the law again. Furthermore, imprisoning all types of lawbreakers passes a message to the public that there is no tolerance to anyone who dares to break the law. This behavior will deter those would-be criminals to some extent and ensure the stability of the whole society.
Others, however, point out some people whose committed crimes are minor,such as bike theft, should not be treated the same way as murderers, rapers or drug dealers, and put them behind the box blindly might not be the best way. This view, to certain extent, makes sense. Some minor offenders do not realize their behaviors actually break the law thanks to their growing up environment or sometimes they are forced to break the law by the real villain. Taking these situations into consideration, approaches like doing work in the local community or volunteering in nursing houses seem better to help them rehabilitate. By doing this, they will understand it is their responsibility to make positive contributions to the society instead of violating the law for no matter what reasons.
In conclusion, it is indisputable that anyone who breaks the law should be punished. But for minor criminals, alternative punishments might help them rehabilitate better.