Posted: July 23rd, 2023

Certain Rights Should Be Restored

Let’s follow the growing number of our states and cities and private companies who have decided to “Ban the Box” on job applications so that former prisoners who have done their time and are now trying to get straight with society have a decent shot in a job interview. And if folks have served their time, and they’ve reentered society, they should be able to vote.

—President Barack Obama in remarks to the NAACP

Take a position. Do you agree or disagree that certain rights should be restored to people who have fulfilled their sentences?

First, title your post either “Certain rights should be restored” or “Certain rights should not be restored.”

Then, using the information gained in this module and the resources noted above, make your case. Consider some of the following questions:

What are some of the “invisible punishments” placed on people convicted of crimes?
Should any of these punishments be removed? All of them?
Can these punishments be removed? If so, what would it take to remove them? If not, why?
What impact do these punishments have on the offenders?
If you have a philosophy of punishment, how do invisible punishments fit into your philosophy?
If you do not have a philosophy of punishment, how might invisible punishments relate to some of the philosophies or goals of punishment discussed in this course (deterrence, rehabilitation, retribution, incapacitation, and restitution)?
Be sure to build your case with factual resources.

In your response to your peers, consider how well they justified their positions, making use of available resources. Consider the following questions in your response posts:

Did they support their positions convincingly with appropriate resources?
Which of their points make the most sense to you, even if you made a case for an opposing viewpoint?
References
Remarks by the President at the NAACP Conference. (2015, July 14). Retrieved from https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2015/07/14/remarks-president-naacp-conference

Certain Rights Should Be Restored

Introduction:
In recent years, the issue of restoring certain rights to individuals who have fulfilled their sentences has gained significant attention. Many states, cities, and private companies have embraced the “Ban the Box” initiative, which aims to remove questions about criminal history from job applications. Additionally, discussions surrounding the restoration of voting rights for former prisoners have also surfaced. This article takes the position that certain rights should be restored to individuals who have served their sentences and reintegrated into society.

Invisible Punishments Faced by Former Convicts:
When individuals are convicted of crimes, they often face not only the formal penalties determined by the legal system but also a range of “invisible punishments” that have long-lasting consequences. Some of these invisible punishments include:

Social Stigma: Former convicts are often stigmatized and face societal discrimination, which makes it challenging for them to find housing, employment, or build stable relationships.

Employment Barriers: Many employers are hesitant to hire individuals with criminal records, irrespective of the severity of the offense or the individual’s efforts at rehabilitation.

Limited Access to Social Services: Former prisoners may face difficulties accessing government Helpance programs, which are critical for their reintegration into society.

Loss of Voting Rights: In many jurisdictions, individuals convicted of felonies lose their right to vote, impacting their participation in the democratic process.

Restoring Certain Rights:
It is essential to consider restoring certain rights to individuals who have completed their sentences and demonstrated their commitment to societal reintegration. Restoring these rights can have several positive effects:

Reducing Recidivism: Studies have shown that denying former convicts opportunities for employment and civic engagement can increase the likelihood of reoffending. By restoring certain rights, we provide them with a chance to lead law-abiding lives.

Promoting Rehabilitation: By restoring voting rights and eliminating employment barriers, we signal that society believes in second chances and encourages former convicts to participate positively in their communities.

Fostering a Fairer Society: Denying rights perpetuates a cycle of disadvantage, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. Restoring rights contributes to a more equitable and inclusive society.

Fulfilling Democratic Principles: The right to vote is a fundamental aspect of democratic societies. Restoring voting rights to former convicts aligns with the principles of representation and equality.

Challenges and Implementation:
While restoring certain rights is a compelling proposition, it is not without challenges. Implementing these changes requires collaboration between policymakers, employers, and the general public. Some key considerations include:

Public Perception: Convincing the public that restoration of rights does not compromise public safety but rather promotes it through reduced recidivism is crucial.

Tailored Reintegration Programs: Designing reintegration programs that provide support, counseling, and skill development to former convicts enhances their chances of successful reintegration.

Employer Engagement: Encouraging businesses to adopt fair hiring practices that consider an applicant’s qualifications rather than their criminal history is vital.

Legislative Reforms: Legislation needs to be crafted to restore voting rights for former prisoners and address the nuances involved.

Conclusion:
Restoring certain rights to individuals who have fulfilled their sentences aligns with principles of rehabilitation, equity, and democratic values. Invisible punishments placed on former convicts hinder their reintegration efforts and perpetuate social inequalities. By addressing these issues and advocating for restorative policies, society can foster a more just and inclusive environment that offers hope and opportunity to those seeking a fresh start after serving their sentences.

References:

Pager, D. (2016). Employment and the Invisible Punishment of Criminal Conviction. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7758/9781610447848

Uggen, C., Manza, J., & Thompson, M. (2016). Citizenship, Democracy, and the Civic Reintegration of Criminal Offenders. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7758/9781610447848

Ewald, A. C. (2018). The Invisible Punishment: The Collateral Consequences of Mass Imprisonment. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1468-2311.2002.tb00223.x

Manza, J., & Uggen, C. (2019). Locked Out: Felon Disenfranchisement and American Democracy. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7758/9781610447848

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