Many people feel that instead of locking up criminals, we could better reduce crime by tackling systematic problems in our educational systems. Although educating lawbreakers could potentially help them to form a positive behaviour, I firmly believe that they should be placed in prisons and isolated from society. This essay will discuss both sides in detail.
On the one hand, some people see education as a better remedy as it holds long-term promise. The main cause of crime is poverty and that can be linked directly to education. Indeed, the lack of educated people might cause illiteracy, unemployment, and bad quality of life in society. Take for example the most educated countries in the world. In Sweden, which has one of the most well-regarded school systems in the world, whose graduates can find and apply for well paid jobs and the crime rate is consequently among the lowest globally. Thus, there is no reason for commiting crime if you have a decent salary and education.
On the other hand, relying solely on education cannot change one’s behaviour. Some prisioners have been brought up in terrible conditions and their psyche could be damaged for the rest of their lives. Seeking knowledge and education might not help criminals due to the impossibility to change their world outlook, which increases the risk of continous crime activities after being released to the world. In some countries, like Columbia, there are strickest and harsh prisons, where lawbreakers, involved in drugs dealing and murders, face life-long penalties for their past. Furthermore, everyone should be treated equally for their deeds and be responsible for their crimes in such prisons.
To conclude, while giving education and knowledge to criminals might have a positive effect at some extent, I strongly believe that prision is the best way to isolate the lawbreakers from society and teach the importance of being responsible for crime actions.