A moral dilemma

[Viker]

Ok. So the bolded part. That's what we are discussing. I only included my own experience to preface the bolded part and cuz I thought it'd help people answer the bolded part. Would it be correct to do compassionate release to prisoners or not.

Absolutely. A dying possibly bed ridden man is very little to no threat to society.

 

[SigurdReginson]

This is a touchy topic... When I think of child pornography, I think of kids getting hurt. I can't help but feel the visceral need to extract retribution on folks who cross this boundary... The problem with that kind of knee-jerk reaction is that it doesn't address the problem at all, and nothing is done in solving the deeper problem or in meting out actual justice.

Compassion is an aspect of justice, but retribution isn't.

 

[VoidCat]

This is a touchy topic... When I think of child pornography, I think of kids getting hurt. I can't help but feel the visceral need to extract retribution on folks who cross this boundary... The problem with that kind of knee-jerk reaction is that it doesn't address the problem at all, and nothing is done in solving the deeper problem or in meting out actual justice.

Compassion is an aspect of justice, but retribution isn't.

Pssst. Edited my post cuz folks kept commenting on the nonbolded part. However...does this mean you believe retribution to be vengeance and compassion to be justice?

 

[The Hammer]

Ok so what situations would you release someone?if you could answer that you might not be able to.

Definitely above my level of experience. So no idea.

 

[VoidCat]

Definitely above my level of experience. So no idea.

Understandable

 

[Unveiled Artist]

I thought I'd raise the question: is it morally right to allow a criminal whose dying stay prison? Or is it better to let them die in peace on the outside? I noticed some states are offering compassionate release to such folk. Is that a good thing in your opinion? Why or why not?

Let them die in peace on outside. Makes me think if Shawshank Redemption and the old man when he got out.

I've never heard of compassionate release, actually. I wonder how that works.

 

[SigurdReginson]

Pssst. Edited my post cuz folks kept commenting on the nonbolded part. However...does this mean you believe retribution to be vengeance and compassion to be justice?

I know Ray! I saw.

I would say retribution and vengeance are interchangeable, but not compassion and justice. Justice can exist without compassion, and vice versa, but justice becomes more finely tuned when approached through consideration of empathy. Ultimately, things can be more or less just, and weighing all the options (which compassion is a part of) makes for better justice.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Here's some info on compassionate release Compassionate Release in Federal Prison | Get Help Today | 802-444-4357 I'd add if the court(s) don't feel that the past crime(s) put anyone at known risk of the prisoners release, I don't see there's a problem. Whether it's a child abuser or not, I think that just depends on the person's morals. Unless they "are" at harm to children and people in general, I don't see a problem with early release with the conditions so far I read outlined in the link.

(Remembering your original OP)

 

[VoidCat]

I know Ray! I saw.

I would say retribution and vengeance are interchangeable, but not compassion and justice. Justice can exist without compassion, and vice versa, but justice becomes more finely tuned when approached through consideration of empathy. Ultimately, things can be more or less just, and weighing all the options (which compassion is a part of) makes for better justice.

I like your answers

 

[RestlessSoul]

I believe the purpose of prison in a civilised society, is firstly, to protect the public from dangerous criminals;

Secondly, for the criminal to pay for their crime by serving an appropriate sentence;

And finally, if possible, to rehabilitate the criminal.

Vengeance is not justice imo, and not the function or purpose of the law.

If a drying convict is felt to meet the first of these criteria - ie he (it’s usually a he) is no longer a threat to society at large, release should be considered, but the other two criteria might also be factors in the decision. Rehabilitation though, might not be so important with a dying man.