I believe that prosecutors should not be allowed to offer jail time or prison time without first having visited a jail and/or prison. Without that experience, a prosecutor simply can't appreciate the gravity of their extended offer. Unfortunately, the sad truth is that many prosecutors have not ever visited a prison and/or jail. And the sad truth is that most jurors haven't had that experience either. It's plea a case or give a sentence and then out of sight and out of mind.
For those of you who haven't, it is quite an experience. First of all, even lawyers have to call ahead - not just an hour ahead but usually at least a day ahead. Then you have to fax a copy of your bar card and driver's license for the certain background check that occurs prior to your entry in the vicinity. Then, you have to call the prison the day before to confirm your visit. Once you arrive, be prepared to be searched...everywhere...your car, your body, your bags. Be prepared to sign in and show your ID multiple times. It's more extensive and intrusive than an airport search. It's one thing to see it on television and the movies yet quite another thing to experience the long walk between guard towers occupied by armed guards watching your every move firsthand. There is nothing pretty or happy about it despite the immaculate landscaping.
And that's not even an account from a prisoner's perspective. Just imagine what it would be like to be a prisoner in that environment - behind society's closed doors. How must they be treated, talked to? Out of sight, out of mind. Now imagine spending years, day in and day out, in an environment like that. I imagine if people really gave that thought then pleas offers and prison sentences would be shorter - more appropriate in most cases. After all, we're dealing with people, and in the end it does no good to simply warehouse souls.
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