Summary: The panel discuss the pros and cons of the prison system and examine the effectiveness and plausibility of alternatives. Speaking in favour of the motion are Dr Charles Murray, Theodore Dalrymple, and Dr David Green. Charles Murray begins by pointing out that, whilst prisons are not entirely effective as rehabilitation facilities, they do reduce crime rates. He points to the fact that England in the 1950s was one of the safest countries in the world, and that it is no coincidence that it also had one of the strictest legal systems in the world. He also notes that the people who choose to let prisoners go free (i.e. judges) are often not the people who have to live alongside them. Theodore Dalrymple points out some of the horrific crimes that reoffenders are capable of committing. He points out that it is often not the poor who suffer from criminals or reoffenders: "Failure to imprison is", he says, "a regressive tax imposed upon the poor by the wealthy". David Green highlights the ineffectiveness of community programmes, and suggests that the way to reduce reoffending rates in prisons is to keep prisoners inside for periods that are sufficient to effectively rehabilitate them, and to improve the quality of education and vocational training they receive. Arguing against the motion are Lords Woolf and Ramsbotham, and Juliet Lyon. Lord Woolf begins by disagreeing with Charles Murray's comments, stating that prison is not working because people do not feel safe. He points out that 67% of criminals reoffend within two years of being released. His suggestion, in light of the government’s dwindling resources for dealing with criminals, is to make our approach fit the resources, tackling the problem at source, and focussing attention on the worst offenders. Lord Ramsbotham suggests that we are imprisoning the wrong people. Too many prisoners, around 70%, have underlying psychological conditions that could be treated. Similarly, many people are imprisoned simply for breaching ASBO's. For these individuals, prison is not always the right answer, says Lord Ramsbotham. He goes on to argue for a system whereby prisoners are integrated more successfully into their local community, not imprisoned hundreds of miles from home. Juliet Lyon suggests that prison should only be used as a last resort. Instead she advocates better supervision by parents, treatment for drug addicts and alcoholics, and mental healthcare for those that need it. She also points out that aftercare can be effective: reoffending rates are much lower when individuals have a job, stable housing, and a good contact with their family and the community. First Vote: 170 For, 288 Against, 249 Don’t Know Final Vote: 351 For, 337 Against, 38 Don’t Kno
