Quote:
Originally Posted by WillowTheWhisp
Why should prisoners be better off in prison than their victims are on the outside?
I'm with Margaret that we are qute often too soft with criminals and they end up better off than the victims. Crime doesn't pay? Free board and lodgings, no bills, a balanced diet and chances of further education to help them have a better start when they get out. Doesn't sound too bad to me.
Post Scrip following Billcat's post - I do not think prisoners on remand should be treated the same way as those who have been convicted. Remand prisoners may well be innocent so they deserve the benefit of the doubt.
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Willow, this sheriff runs a jail, not a prison. Most of the folks in his lock-up are not yet convicted. Don't know how it works in the UK, but the only convicts you will find in most jails are parole violators and newly convicted criminals - both awaiting transfer to a prison. Sometimes, folks convicted of relatively minor offenses with very short terms will also be found in county jails.
Also, from what I have read about him, it sure does not sound like this sheriff is making any attempt at a "balanced diet." Indeed, he seems to take great pride in offering such a poor diet that the only good thing that can be said about it is that you may not starve. Also, please do not characterize it as free board, as it appears that this sheriff also charges for the meals.