It is offensive to the victims and families of victims of serious crimes that the justice system fails to ensure that criminals pay the price for the devastation they cause. For example, Johannes Mehserl served only 2 years in prison for the murder of an innocent member of the public, Oscar Grant. At the same time, there are examples of 5-year prison sentences for marijuana possession. This is hugely unfair, as someone who can take the life of another human being should receive a much harsher punishment than someone whose crime only affects themselves. In today's society, the level of punishment for crimes is decided and enforced by the laws of each country. . However, in recent years there has been a growing feeling that the punishments applied are unbalanced and do not always prevent people from repeating their crimes. There are many reasons why society chooses to punish those who break the law. For example, they deserved to be punished; it will prevent them from committing further crimes; tells the victim that society believes she has been treated badly; it prevents others from committing the same crime and protects society from those considered dangerous. Judges consider each of these points when issuing sentences, but they may vary the sentences they issue. Before the creation of constitutional governments in most of Western Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries, punishments for breaking the law were random and depended on the wishes of judges. local royalty or dignitaries who had the authority to decide levels of punishment. There were no set guidelines for punishment, and capital punishment was available for everything from murder to petty theft. Today's justice system is unclear and unbalanced for a variety of reasons. ...... middle of paper ...... or increase sentences for those caught committing the worst of crimes. Serial killers Ian Brady, Rose West and Peter Tobin will all die in prison for the terrible crimes they committed. If the punishment were automatic, perhaps they would now have served their time and be out of prison. In conclusion, while accepting the need for flexibility in the justice system to take into account circumstances, such as the motivation of the person in question, they believe that the justice system today is not working. There are too many examples of crimes not adequately punished and, at the same time, we continue to see prisons filled with petty criminals who would be better punished by carrying out community service. If the fundamental purpose of the justice system is to ensure that punishment fits the crime, then substantial changes need to be made.