Major punishment philosophies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Major punishment philosophies - Essay Example This essay is a critical evaluation on the punishment response to first-time and habitual DWI offenders. Different punishments for driving while under intoxication are exercised depending on the state where the offence was done. The most possible punishment is brief confinement in a county jail for a period not more than one year and a fine not exceeding $ 5000 and in some cases withdrawal of the offender’s driving license for a short period of time (Head 2006). This punishment is justifiable for first time offenders because even though the law terms ignorance as no defense, it is possible that the offence could be committed out of ignorance or mere carelessness. This means that, the offenders have not formed a habitual DWI thus a short confinement would help them by opening their eyes to the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol (Bosworth 2005). Not only does it endanger their own lives but also the lives of other road users. This would go in line with one purpose of punishments which is to rehabilitate the offenders. Leaving the offenders to go free by fining them without confinement would be playing on a delicate ground even if the offender has never committed such a crime before. This is because the offence when committed is a threat to human life and if not punished properly, there is a probability that there would be a recurrence of the same. The brief confinement would serve the purpose of punishments which is to incapacitate the offender by denying him/her the opportunity to commit the offence (Neubauer 2007). This is achieved because during the time he is in confinement, he would not have the chance to drive and at the same time he will have the time to reflect on his mistakes such that by the time of his release, he will have changed his attitude and felt the pain of losing the comfort of his vehicle. Confinement as a form of