Some people believe that there should be fixed punishment for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant example from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Crime is a punishable offense and it must be dealt with accordingly to assure peace and internal harmony among the people at large. However, there are conflicting views regarding the punishment of these crimes. Some people believe that there should be fixed punishment for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment. Crimes are violent offenses that disturb the tranquility in society and must be punished. The punishments for severe offenses must be fixed and granted equally but the right to self-defense, and right to fair trial must also be maintained simultaneously by lawmakers. Most severe crimes such as murder, banditry, extortion, and homicide must be dealt with fixed punishments whilst minor crimes must be handled by penalties like fines and short-term imprisonments.
To begin with, take into account the strictest laws in the middle eastern country. In Saudi Arabia, public beheading, stoning, amputation, and lashing are some of the harshest punishments. The country has also secret police, the Mabahith. The trial of the accused in the kingdom has been put into question by human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. Likewise, the trial of citizens in the military courts is also suspicious because the proceedings of such courts are not entitled to public view.
To sum up, the punishments for severe and more dangerous crimes must be fixed but the right to a fair trial is a necessary pre-requisite for every state all over the world. Moreover, the right of self-defense must also be reserved all the same. Likewise in the United States, there is a general rule that a person is allowed to use the force necessary to defend oneself against unlawful physical harm. After all, the law is not the law if it violates the principles of eternal justice such as a fair trial, and proper and impartial investigation of the offense.
