It seems that more often than not, due to the nature of our prison system and the prisons themselves, people come out as worse criminals than when they went in. The harsh treatment they experience within (however well deserved) and the company of the dregs of society appears to have the opposite of a rehabilitative effect. Perhaps this jurisdiction recognizes this and is trying another way to guide those who are just beginning their criminal career back onto the right path.
Don't get me wrong...I believe those who torture and kill innocent beings such as children and animals belong in the lowest circle of hell. But, if there is a chance to turn them around by trying something other than what we've been doing, then I'm all for giving it a shot. Sometimes people who do evil things just haven't had anyone in their life who cared enough to show them how to deal with their problems. If, however, they turn out to be real psychopaths...well, then I say: to hell with them. Lock 'em up and throw away the key or just relieve the planet of them altogether.
Just my 2¢.
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