Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on punishment.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge.
It is argued whether fixed or unfixed punishments for crime are acceptable. In spite of advantages of constant way of punishing, I hold a viewpoint that it would be better off considering the situations and motivation.
First of all, fixed punishments are beneficial because of its easiness and fairness. Judges could make a decision immediately how to punish criminals with unawareness of their ages, genders, circumstances, incentives or disincentives. All kinds of people commit the same crime would be treated equally and fairly. Besides, people could be conscious of how they would be punished if they committed each type of crime. There would be no sympathy, forgiving or reduction. Therefore, severe disciplines could deter citizens from breaking laws or doing something illegally.
On the contrary, I wholly agree with the statement that punishments should fit the crime. Each individual is under different circumstance. Criminals’ situations and motivation should be taken account of because of their strong influence on the criminals’ act. It may be deliberate or spontaneous. For instance, robbers steal money or other facilities for their profit should be punished differently from who commit robbery for their starvation, poverty and unemployment. Therefore, judges are responsible for deciding the best and most suitable response to the crime. The consciousness of criminals’ circumstances would express the humanity in national laws.
To conclude, while some people believe strongly that fixed punishments would be the most acceptable, others, inclusive I, still reflect our viewpoints that humane principles are respectable to govern locals or nations.