An assignment in Expository Writing to compare the justice system in America with the brutal methods of Islamic states and dictators. A bit absurd, but a decent read, I guess. I cannot help what I am assigned, lol.

Tolerable Justice
An issue on the forefront of modern-day debate is the manner in which we deal with criminals in our societies. Here in America, we have a criminal justice system that is at its maximum capacity; it is inundated with thieves, gang members, drug dealers, and murders. Many convicts admit that the worse part of prison is dealing with other prisoners, not the time itself. There are so many religious beliefs, gang affiliations, and ethnic lines that surviving day-to-day has a burden all its own. When the court system in America issues felony convictions to guilty individuals, he or she is sent to a maximum-security prison to be processed; once there, they are placed amongst the most hardened criminal minds this country has to offer. The sentence that one is serving does not compare to the hardships he or she will have to endure in prison. The time given to convicts, in theory, is supposed to be used to rehabilitate them, and get them better prepared for the woes of society. Many programs are implemented to aid the penal system in rehabilitating offenders; yet, prisons remain crowded, and we are building more. The plan is obviously not working. I, personally, think that the prison system has only served to bring the worst of the worst together, so that they may learn to become even more cunning and devious than before. Not to mention that inmates that spend more than five years behind bars have a very hard time readjusting to society. There must be a better way.
In contrast to the United States, there are various other nations and countries that have their own way of dealing with the criminal element. In Islamic countries, brutal punishments are enforced under the religious law. Adulterers are stoned to death; Thieves’ hands are chopped off; and lesser offenders get beat with bamboo canes, or “flogged”. Huge crowds gather to watch, and in some cases, such as stoning, even participate in the spectacle. Hence, Islamic countries do not suffer the crime that free countries do, because of their brutal approach to punishment and fanatic adherence to ancient dogmatic precepts. This is accomplished because the government, culture, and justice system are all centered around, and dictated by religion. The despot and dictatorial countries rule by indoctrination, fear, and brutality; it is the only way for them to keep control of the masses. Such a barbaric system would not stand a chance in a country like America. The bleeding hearts and liberals would have a field day. Nonetheless, it seems to work for them; the public humiliation, amputation, and residual consequences are traumatic enough to keep the majority obedient, and I cannot blame them.
I am sure dictators and Islamic states do not have repeat offenders like America does; but at what cost? I would say, “To the detriment of the citizens, human rights, religious rights, and common decency.” We are far to civilized to use such primitive and inhumane methods. I would not suggest either system of control; although, if I had to select one of the two, I would choose the flawed method over the reprehensible, morally corrupt one. The American legal system definitely has issues, but comparably, I would settle for it over the alternative. People make mistakes; they should learn their lesson and be able to move on with their lives, not bare the burden for life like an amputee would. On a humorous note, suppose that Islamic law was enforced in America, and all the cheaters and adulterers were to be stoned; think of all of the senators, congressmen, preachers, actors and other celebrities that would be sentenced to death. No, I would rather have human rights, freedom, and the burden of the criminal element, than to suffer tyranny for reassurance.
(“For he that trades liberty for security deserves neither.” Benjamin Franklin.)