Prisons do work
Prisons separate criminals from the rest of the population to ensure the safety of innocent people.
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The Argument
The best way to protect the biggest majority of a population is with prisons. Many violent criminals will always continue to break the law, even with rehabilitation programs installed within the system. [1]
The main goal of prisons is to protect the public from danger and to punish offenders for violating the law. By separating criminals from the rest of the population, people are able to go about their lives without fearing criminals. Prisons work to allow society to function normally and safely. Therefore, prisons should remain open and functioning due to their ability to keep the public safe.
Counter arguments
Instead of simply locking away criminals to punish them for their crimes, prison systems should work to develop rehabilitation programs to help prepare offenders to be a law-abiding member of society once released. Many people in prison suffer from mental health issues, drug addiction, and alcoholism. Once released, many people commit another crime within a short amount of time, landing them back in prison. Prisons should work to improve the lives of their prisoners so they do not re-offend and repeat the circle of crime.
Proponents
Premises
[P1] The best way to protect a population is with prisons.
[P2] A number of criminals will always have violent and dangerous behavior and cannot safely live in society.
[P3] Therefore, prisons do work and should not be abolished.
Rejecting the premises
[Rejecting P3] Prisons should work to improve the lives and behavior of their inmates.