Ever since Cain slew Abel, society has battled the problem of what to do with criminals. Perhaps the origin was even before the murder when God said, "No," and man ate the apple anyway. Either way, how does one prevent crime? Can one maintain a relative sense of law and order? Does the famous saying, "If you do the crime, you pay the time," actually prove to be effective in the societal bounds? The question of whether punishment deters crime arises. Even though the jails are overcrowded, if punishment is enforced justly, consistently, and vigorously, then punishment will deter crime.

It is true, of course, that newspapers persistently headline the overcrowded jails and the early parole offered many of the prisoners. The government and judicial systems want to take action against criminals, but prison capacity cripples the courts' ability to adequately punish the criminal. These criminals are not stupid. They know the chances of getting caught and sent to prison. Thus, the severity of punishment does not equal the crime committed. Punishment becomes effective only when the court is capable of issuing a sentence equal to that of the offense. For example, if someone robbed a bank and received the same punishment as the man who stole candy from a gas station, the bank robber has not taken full accountability of his actions. Just as if one man received a longer penalty than someone who committed the same crime but received early parole, the robber has not been held accountable for his actions. Time magazine reports that, "This new system means stiffer penalties for white-collar crimes andmore uniform and truthful sentences would be delivered." Furthermore, when punishment is justly administered, the belief of early parole disappears. Then a criminal can see the effects of true punishment, and the criminal rate decreases.

Of course, the financial reality of providing enough prisons to accommodate all criminals undoubtedly has forced many officials to consider alternatives to imprisonment. Many states have successfully adopted electronic surveillance so probation officers always know where the offenders are. Intensively supervised probation allows the offender to stay at home while holding a job and checking in with probation officers several times a day. An alternative for prison punishment forces the criminal to take responsibility for his own rehabilitation. For example, a criminal that feels trusted and relied upon will feel a sense of responsibility that forces him or her to put their lives back on track. The criminal is earning his or her sense of faith and trust and therefore will not want to undermine their hard work. Even as the moral pillars crumble and society no longe supports the institutions of the home and church, discipline may still be enforced by an even more economically-sufficient way under house arrest. The criminal will not only face rehabilitation, as stated previously, but will learn strict standards of conduct as fear of punishment is instilled. They quickly learn that their actions have consequences of punishment such as a limit or penalty. If the criminal does not abide, he may be punished by taking away an eventful activity or even putting him on probation from his job, limiting his income. Even daily counseling of the criminal could help rebuild his self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-character. As this consistency of punishment is instilled in these criminals, further aggressive impulses are most likely lessoned or deterred.

Furthermore, the most effective punishment begins with the government. Overcrowded prisons can be eliminated, crime can be lessened, and fear can be decreased when an individual is taught moral virtues which begins with punishment. Moreover, the government is designed to enforce punishment, provide protection, and provide organization in the nation. For example, the U.S. Constitution was designed to protect many rights of man including security. By offering our criminals a way out of their poor lifestyles, the government is helping the nation. Most important of all, as punishment is administered to the criminals, the moral standards of their behavior rise. Then, the crime rate decreases.

Even though crime is a sinful action, if the punishment fits the crime, constant surveillance or putting a criminal under house arrest provides an individual with the knowledge needed as he strives to begin a new life. This process requires punishment. When the moral standards are reached through punishment, whether in jail or under surveillance or house arrest, crime decreases. The next generation begins with the lives of today. Let them learn our ways and standards of living. Teach them honestly, loyalty, virtue, and truth. Punish them when they break the moral code. Crime decreases when punishment is enforced justly, consistently, and vigorously.