Some people hold the view that the best way of reducing crimes is to prolong the crime sentence. Others, however, think that there are better alternatives to reduce the crime rate. Discuss both sides and state your own opinion.
The rise of crime rate often goes with the rapid development of economy, which is especially true in today’s China. In combating crimes, people are thinking of different ways of solution, one of which is to prolong the penalty terms.
Proponents of this idea stress that increased penalty terms against crimes will effectively deter potential criminals, who would think twice or change their mind before any bold action if they consider the prolonged imprisonment might be inflicted on them. A recent national crime survey has revealed that about 70% of police officers complain that the “cost” for committing crimes is at a historically low level and that this may in some sense “encourage” bold and vicious actions.
However, many criminologists do not share this theory, criticizing this idea as “cowards’ solution”, and pointing out that it will threaten judicial fairness as well as arouse hatred in criminals so as to deteriorate the effects of crime sentences. They insist that more rational solutions be taken instead. Firstly, more efforts shall be made to publicize the present laws, so that every citizen is better aware of the consequences of breaking laws; secondly, more civil organizations can be set up to supervise and help investigate into crimes; thirdly, imprisoned criminals shall receive better education in practical skills with which they can make a decent living without committing crimes when they return home.
In my opinion, prolonging crime sentence is no sensible solution against the crime rate. Only by joining the efforts of the police and the society, establishing a fair and more harmonious social environment, can we effectively ensure our own security.
Useful Expressions
1. the rise / increase of …：…的增加
2. go with: 伴随、搭配协调
3. combat crimes: 打击犯罪
commit crimes: 犯罪
4. proponents of this idea：这个想法的支持者
5. think twice: 仔细考虑，三思而后行
6. change one’s mind: 改变想法
7. so as to:以至于
8. so that: 目的是
9. imprison: v. 使某人入狱，监禁
imprisonment: n. 监禁，坐牢
10. be aware of: 意识到
Advanced Phrases
1. combat crimes: 打击犯罪
2. prolong penalty terms: 延长惩罚期限
3. deter: 抵制、制止
deterrent n. 威慑物
4. inflict: 施以，施加 something is inflicted on somebody 把某物施加于某人
5. judicial fairness：司法公正
6. arouse hatred：激起愤恨
7. bold and vicious actions: 鲁莽恶意的行为
