Overcrowded prisons: build more or punish differently?
Prisons are overcrowded.
- Build prisons: every sentence must be served
- Build and develop alternative sentences
- Rely on electronic tags, community service and prevention
What's at stake: The debate is about what reduces reoffending most: prison, so that sentences are served, or alternative sentences.
The left's argument
Prison is expensive and breeds reoffending. Alternative sentences work better.
The centre's argument
Build the places that are needed while really developing alternative sentences.
The right's argument
If sentences aren't served for lack of space, justice loses its credibility.
And you, where do you stand?
Answer 30 situations like this one and find out where you stand, topic by topic.