NationStates Jolt Archive


An issue on reviving archaic punishments for criminals.

Tyranitopia
05-06-2004, 09:17
I'm new here, and I haven't even seen all the issues, if there's one already like this, then... sorry, I guess. I think my country isn't even big enough to submit issues, but maybe someone else could, or I could do it later, after some discussion on it.

I wanted to see alternative forms of punishment for criminals.
Just a rough draft, but something like:

'Some police officers are tired of catching the same criminals over and over, and they're appealing to the government to alter the prison systems'

'Police Chief Bob says "We throw criminals in with a bunch of other criminals and expect them to become good citizens after they've spent so much time surrounded by such bad influences. They usually just learn how to break the law better." "Well, I say we stop 'grounding' and start 'spanking' again. Whippings, beatings, maybe the stocks. It seemed to work in the past. We'll do it in public, and remind people that this is what happens when they break the law. Of course, we'll keep some prisons for those who are too dangerous to release immediately, but it shouldn't cost nearly as much".'

'Reality Show producer Sam responds with "That's a nice idea, but what do we do about the ones who do major crimes? I think we should revive an old idea, but with a new spin. In ancient times, prisoners fought to the death in colosseums. We should bring that back; have all prisoners who have committed serious crimes fight each other once a month or so, using various obsolete weapons. The surviv... uh, winners get to delay their punishment until the next fight.
We'll broadcast it around the world, and we'll make a ton of money from it.
Why pay for criminals, when they could be making us money?"'

'Activist Diane shouts out "You're all insane, bloodthirsty, sick...!" She blurts out a few more adjectives and continues, "We should be helping the ethically challenged, not punishing them. Prisons should be a place of healing, and 'patients' should only be required to stay for as long as it takes for them to get well".

What do you think about it? Should there be any more options?
I guess the first one might make citizens more suspicious of you, but it would cut down on crime and prison costs.
The second one would make citizens even more suspicious of you, but it would create a "Gladiator" industry.
The third one might increase crime, but citizens wouldn't feel more 'free'.
Emperor Matthuis
05-06-2004, 13:03
I'm new here, and I haven't even seen all the issues, if there's one already like this, then... sorry, I guess. I think my country isn't even big enough to submit issues, but maybe someone else could, or I could do it later, after some discussion on it.

I wanted to see alternative forms of punishment for criminals.
Just a rough draft, but something like:

'Some police officers are tired of catching the same criminals over and over, and they're appealing to the government to alter the prison systems'

'Police Chief Bob says "We throw criminals in with a bunch of other criminals and expect them to become good citizens after they've spent so much time surrounded by such bad influences. They usually just learn how to break the law better." "Well, I say we stop 'grounding' and start 'spanking' again. Whippings, beatings, maybe the stocks. It seemed to work in the past. We'll do it in public, and remind people that this is what happens when they break the law. Of course, we'll keep some prisons for those who are too dangerous to release immediately, but it shouldn't cost nearly as much".'

'Reality Show producer Sam responds with "That's a nice idea, but what do we do about the ones who do major crimes? I think we should revive an old idea, but with a new spin. In ancient times, prisoners fought to the death in colosseums. We should bring that back; have all prisoners who have committed serious crimes fight each other once a month or so, using various obsolete weapons. The surviv... uh, winners get to delay their punishment until the next fight.
We'll broadcast it around the world, and we'll make a ton of money from it.
Why pay for criminals, when they could be making us money?"'

'Activist Diane shouts out "You're all insane, bloodthirsty, sick...!" She blurts out a few more adjectives and continues, "We should be helping the ethically challenged, not punishing them. Prisons should be a place of healing, and 'patients' should only be required to stay for as long as it takes for them to get well".

What do you think about it? Should there be any more options?
I guess the first one might make citizens more suspicious of you, but it would cut down on crime and prison costs.
The second one would make citizens even more suspicious of you, but it would create a "Gladiator" industry.
The third one might increase crime, but citizens wouldn't feel more 'free'.


A Very Good Issue :D , but have Police Chief @@RANDOMNAME@@


Option Two is funny as well, but does the issue have a title?
Tyranitopia
06-06-2004, 05:59
hmm...

Title: Alternative Punishments?

Is that too bland?

Maybe: Cruel and Unusual? Nonsense!

A bit misleading. I'm not in any hurry to submit it, so I have plenty of time to touch it up.
Unfree People
06-06-2004, 06:49
Good idea for an issue... no, I don't think you can submit an issue, but you can at least look at the guidelines http://www.nationstates.net/pages/submit_issue_guidelines.html

Any ideas on the effects of each option? ANd I would certainly be willing to submit it for you, but then it would be my name on the issue were it accepted and not yours - it's probably worth waiting a bit ;)
Druthulhu
24-06-2004, 22:01
I am unaware of any r/l nation that has ever treated all crime as a mental health issue. How can we say what the results would be?