Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Should prisons be abolished?
Position1 of 3›

Yes, prisons should be abolished

This position holds that prisons should be abolished. It argues that prisons simply do not work, that private prisons profit from locking people up, and that incarceration is immoral — and that a more ethical system would reintegrate offenders into society as citizens instead.

Supporting arguments · 3

  1. Prisons do not work
    Many offenders have been incarcerated multiple times, proving prisons do not work as an effective punishment or part of society.
  2. Prisons are immoral
    If life was valued within prisons, then criminals would be less likely to hurt or take it away from others.
  3. Private prisons earn profit from incarceration
    Private prison systems operate with the goal of earning the most profit first and properly caring for inmates second. Consequently, this results in massive continuous budget cuts, making the prison and unsafe environment.