That may be true.
However, for every instance in which a guilty person isn't punished, there's an instance where an innocent person is punished.
While I understand the point you are making, I would have to dispute the numbers.
Having been part of the system at one time, and seeing its inner workings, I would guesstimate that 500 guilty go free (or nearly free) for every 1 innocent who is incarcerated.... at a
minimum. Honestly, the way in which career criminals get off with short sentences, probation, or acquittal over and over is truly nauseating to those of us who worked to put them away, where they would be no threat to honest citizens. I've seen it so many times it makes me sick to think about the damage these individuals cause when they are put back out in society again and again.
This is one of the reasons why I advocate some very serious changes in our CJ system. I have come to agree with Korimir, that our system needs to be changed from an orientation towards punishment, to an orientation towards reform. Most minor offenses should involve repayment of those harmed, and/or community service activity. If a person commits a
serious felony, (and I mean the
FIRST time they commit a serious felony!!) then they are incarcerated in a reform instititute, and
they don't leave until there is solid evidence to believe they have truly changed and will go straight. If this takes 5 years, 10 years, 20 years or 40 years, they don't leave until they exhibit changed behaviors and attitudes. I'd then give them 5 years on probation, where they are monitored closely for signs of recidivism, before restoring to them their full rights and freedom.
Those who don't change never get out. I would also say that certain crimes still carry mandatory life-without-parole, and that the death sentence remains suitable for certain heinous crimes. No more of this smack-on-the-wrist for first-time burglars and carjackers.
Pardon me, this is a subject about which I am passionate, because people I care about have suffered at the hands of repeat offenders.