18.12 Deter, detect, punish, forgive AND rehabilitate criminals

Conservatives argue for deterrents and punishment. Liberals argue for forgiveness and New Magna Carta Mediumrehabilitation. The left argues for mitigation due to the social and economic causes of crime. We must do all of these things simultaneously. We must remove the causes of crime. We must deter criminals and corrupt behaviour. We must make every effort to catch criminals and abusers. They must receive a fair trial. They must receive a strict and fair punishment tailored to the individual for maximum effect. The punishment must satisfy the public’s need for justice and a deterrent effect. If a criminal has been punished and shows genuine remorse then they must be forgiven and rehabilitated so that they can make a fresh start and achieve their potential. If the risk of repeat offending is high, we must mitigate that. We need to do all of these things well.