Argument of bringing back flogging

Introduction

This discussion will highlight the role and relevance of public flogging in an attempt to bring forth the pros and cons of Jacoby's idea of bringing back flogging. The discussion will seek to identify if Jacoby has presented a compelling argument and if Jacoby has managed to substantiate his position on the subject effectively.

Discussion

Jacoby makes a highly convincing argument in his support towards bringing back flogging. It is clear that Jacoby has given his perspective considerable thought and time. He substantiates his arguments with examples and statements that are of little doubt. For instance, he presents a most compelling argument when he states that many of the prisoners who leave the prison system infrequently tend to become reputable citizens. In fact, it comes to light that the subjection of a jail term does little more than give convicts the chance to socialize with one another (Duff). This brings to mind the numerous cases in which thefts, robberies and homicides came to action by gangs that came into existence when gang members were locked into a prison cell for many years. In this regard, it would not be unfair to state that Jacoby's argument to bring back flogging would be most compelling.

Jacoby seems to have done his homework on the pros and cons of bringing back public flogging. He certainly presents a tempting case for the same. He recounts several cases in which flogging came forth as a punishment tool. It is clear that Jacoby considers flogging to be a lawful punishment tool. He even recommends public flogging on the grounds of the cost-effectiveness that it provides.

When considering Jacoby's argument, it is imperative to consider cases such as those that have occurred in Sudan where a woman was flogged in public over her choice of trousers. It is essential to consider that women in cases of public flogging are often accused of having committed adultery, of being improperly dressed in public, or of having behaved 'indecently' in other ways. Sudanese law, which is based on religious Sharia rules, does not specify when clothing is indecent. This lack of definition allows policemen free reign to determine who is looking indecent. Women who were punished for such offences are usually too ashamed to speak about it (Barnet and Bedau). The act was highly criticized and heavily panned by the media and the general public. Similarly, military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan have brought forth cases of public flogging, which were highly criticized and the international community chose to discourage such incidents as much as possible.

However, Jacoby's case becomes increasingly strong when the fundamental reason for the presence of the prison system comes to mind. Prisons are good at keeping violent predators off the streets, but relatively few people are imprisoned because we fear what they might do if we release them. Most inmates are locked up because locking people up is the way we punish virtually every offense -- from committing murder to laundering money to selling marijuana. Prisons were ...