Many books, movies etc deal with the problems long-term prisoners have after being released. No doubt that the suicides pictured in movies like Shawshank are based on true stories.
The New York Times has an article about suitable punishment for convicted youths. Should they be incarcerated for life? If a teenager is sentenced to a few decades in jail, or even one, could he ever adjust to a crime less existence on the "outside?" What type of employment could he have? With whom would he socialize? or marry?
Even if he/she tries to be honest and good, what are his/her chances?
Maybe there should be an "in between" community for them. Yes, I know it sounds peculiar, but people aren't so easily malleable and changeable. Learning the ropes of jail life, including impressing both sets of "bosses," may not be the best qualifications for freedom.
Just some thoughts...
