Criminal Dilemmas

The existence of the prison system is such a familiar part of society, that its use as a primary form of punishment is largely taken for granted. Indeed, recent efforts to “get tough on crime” have lead to a massive expansion of the corrections system. Mandatory sentencing policies have been imposed as a means of avoiding leniency or potential inconsistencies in judges’ rulings. These policies dictate sentence lengths for all crimes, from that of drug possession to homicide. This no-nonsense approach, coupled with an increase in severity is meant to send the message to criminals that crime does not pay!

Of the systems of punishment in current use, prisons are the best known. Prisons appear to be an unfortunate necessity, but are they efficient? Is our corrections system providing optimal service, or could we meet the same goals at a lower cost by contracting out some of the responsibilities to private enterprises. Given the fact that the prisons system costs the taxpayers billions of dollars each year, the prospect is enticing. This is not a new concept; already the government is experimenting with a small number of private prisons in order to determine if these savings can really be achieved.

Prostitution is rightfully known as the oldest profession, because, quite frankly, it has always existed. Arguments against it stem from morality, to fears of the spread of disease, to protection of the family, and to fears of the subordination of women. Many of these concerns are legitimate, but the criminalization of prostitution has not proved to be effective in eliminating the profession.

An old adage claims that sometimes the cure is worse than the ailment. This appears to be the case in our insistence on the illegal status of certain varieties of drugs. We would never advocate the use of a cancer-causing medication to treat the flu. Yet, in an attempt to limit drug use, and thereby curtail addictions and other debilitations arising from drug use, we stand resolutely behind the refusal to tolerate the use or sale of illicit drugs. We take this position despite growing evidence that the illegal status of drugs creates incentives for, and profits to, enrich the growth and spread of crime and criminal organizations. The problem we must confront is whether we have created a serious international disease that is becoming larger and more powerful every day merely to treat the afflictions of a few.

The issue of gangs is troubling for today’s society. Stories of gang violence fill newspapers. Rival gang members shoot one another over drugs, over turf, or in retaliation for the injury, or death, or even insult of another member.

As gun control is a controversial, emotional topic, it has become increasingly difficult to resolve. Should guns be limited or made illegal, or should the population be allowed to bear arms, as some argue is permitted by the US Constitution?²⁹⁴ The pros and cons for this debate are numerous. A sample of arguments from each side will be provided here. Then, they are analyzed in a game theoretic format to show how this analytic approach helps facilitate an understanding of the subject.