Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
People have different views about whether or not punishments for crimes should be fixed.
Although
there are some advantages of fixed punishments, I would argue that it is better to judge each crime individually. There are some good arguments for having one punishment
for each crime. This
system ensures that each member of society knows and understands the consequences of committing any crime. It is a fair system, and it leaves people with no doubt that breaking the law is not tolerated. At the same time, it is much easier for judges and lawyers when there is a clear rule dictating how each offender
should be sentenced. For example
, if someone is found guilty of stealing, the judge will simply follow the rules and apply the appropriate punishment
. Despite the above arguments, I believe that the context of any criminal act should be taken into account when sentencing an offender
. This
means that the judge should consider the details of each particular case before deciding on the appropriate punishment
. For example
, a person who steals something from a shop for the first time should not be treated in the same way as a repeat offender
who has been caught shoplifting many times before. It would be sensible to give the first-time offender
a small punishment
, such
as a fine, while
the repeat offender
may be sent to prison. In conclusion, it seems to me that a mature and humane legal system would be flexible rather than fixed in terms of how decisions about punishments are made.Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Writing9 with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Use cohesive linking words accurately and appropriately
Linking words are very important in your essay.
To score effectively on your IELTS exam, you should make an effort to implement short concise sentences coupled with linking words.
Almost every sentence in your essay should have a linking word of some sort.
In fact, the only sentences that can omit linking words are your background sentence and thesis.
Linking word examples:
- firstly
- secondly
- thirdly
- in additional
- moreover
- also
- for example
- for instance
- therefore
- however
- although
- even though
- despite