Use Torah Principles for Correctional Systems

The Lubavitcher Rebbe advocated for Torah-based approach to criminal justice systems.

Modern-day correctional systems are based on the practice of incarceration. However, G-d’s laws that are taught in the Torah do not specify imprisonment as the punishment for violating a commandment. One reason is because jail sentences are not a deterrent to crime. Even more so, locking a person up in prison violates the fundamental principle of the Torah. Human beings are created it the image of G-d, as it is stated in Genesis 1:27, “And G-d created man in His image; in the image of G-d He created him; male and female He created them.”

Confining a person in prison is a denial of the Divine nature of the person’s humanity. Everything in the world is put here for a purpose, and imprisonment restrains a person from achieving his purpose in life. According to the Torah, a person is put on this earth for a productive purpose. Conversely, taking away a person’s ability to fulfill that purpose causes long-term suffering to the person. This suffering and denial of productivity are deemed to be cruel and inhumane.

Certainly, a criminal justice system will be more effective if it helps offenders to better their lives through rehabilitation. Therefore, rehabilitation programs should educate them and uplift them to be productive and moral citizens. The goal of prison reform should be to transform prison sentences into opportunities for personal transformation and growth in knowledge, skills, and ethical behavior.