Question

What part does a prison play in the punishment of offenders?

Answer 1

This concept of prison can be seen even in our formative years. As children, when we do something wrong, our parents or teachers put us in a time-out. Often this is a place where we are made to sit where we cannot communicate with others. We are put in this position so that we can think about our actions and have some time to evaluate our behaviour to change it for the better. Similarly, prisons give the individual time to think about their offences. Also, humans are social beings and by forcing one to be in social isolation is perhaps the greatest punishment of all. Apart from this, prison also acts as a physical safeguard by protecting the public from criminal offenders and it is easier to control the situation when the offenders are behind bars.