My Deadly Desire

Chapter 10

Chapter 10: The Price of Protection

Isabella's POV

"Penology and Corrections in a Nutshell," Mr. Chris began, his voice steady and authoritative. "This course delves into the philosophy and practice of punishment within the criminal justice system."

"In a nutshell," he continued, "we explore the fundamental why and how of punishment."

I leaned forward,  my curiosity piqued. "What are the main philosophies behind punishment?" I asked, eager to delve deeper into the subject.

Mr. Chris nodded, acknowledging my question. "We'll be examining deterrence, retribution, rehabilitation, and restorative justice," he explained. "Each philosophy offers a different perspective on the purpose of punishment and its role in society."

"Deterrence seems straightforward," I mused, "but what about retribution? How does that fit into the picture?"

"Retribution focuses on the idea of 'an eye for an eye,'" Mr. Chris clarified. "It's about punishing offenders as a form of justice, ensuring they 'pay' for their crimes in proportion to the harm they've caused."

The concept of rehabilitation intrigued me. "Can criminals truly be rehabilitated?" I asked, voicing a question that had long lingered in my mind.

"It's a complex issue," Mr. Chris admitted. "We'll explore the challenges and limitations of rehabilitation programs, as well as their potential for success."

As Mr. Chris delved into sentencing guidelines, I found myself engrossed in the discussion. "How do judges decide on the appropriate sentence?" I inquired, eager to understand the factors at play.

"Judges consider a variety of factors," Mr. Chris replied. "These can include the nature and severity of the crime, the offender's criminal history, and mitigating or aggravating circumstances."

"Moving on to correctional facilities," Mr. Chris resumed, "we'll explore the inner workings of prisons, jails, and other correctional institutions."

"How do they manage issues like overcrowding and security?" I asked, my mind buzzing with questions.

"Overcrowding is indeed a significant challenge," Mr. Chris acknowledged. "We'll examine how it affects living conditions and the delivery of rehabilitation programs. Security measures, such as surveillance systems and inmate classification, play a crucial role in maintaining order and safety within these facilities."

I nodded, absorbing the information. "And what about rehabilitation programs?" I queried. "Do they truly help inmates reintegrate into society?"

Mr. Chris nodded thoughtfully. "Rehabilitation programs vary widely in their effectiveness," he explained. "While some focus on job training and education, others address substance abuse or provide counseling services. We'll evaluate their impact on reducing recidivism and promoting successful reentry into society."

Everything was going quite peacefully until Alexander decided to barge into the room and stop the lessons abruptly.

"Who are you, and who gave you permission to come into my house?" Alexander's voice was sharp, and his eyes were blazing with anger.

I was shocked by Alexander's behavior; this was not how I expected him to welcome my guest into our home. "Why are you being like this, Alexander?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm. "This is not only your house. Since our marriage, this house belongs to me as well, and I can invite whoever I want here. That is completely my decision."

Before Alexander could respond, Mr. Chris interrupted the conversation and introduced himself in a very polite manner. "Mr. Alexander, I am Mr. Chris, Isabella's tutor. I am here to help her complete her degree in criminal studies and to assist her in specializing in criminal psychology."