The Hillside Stranglers by Darcy O'Brien. Crime is the biggest problem facing our society today.

Essay by Ladygrace November 2002

download word file, 6 pages 3.5

Downloaded 57 times

Crime in its many facets, is the biggest problem facing our society. Today society's outrage to crime is misplaced. However a serial killer's act may contribute to society's outrage, and the outrage should be directed towards the prevention of crime. Crime has actually become acceptable to many. As a result, we are becoming immune to crime.

People disagree on crime prevention. Some argue that the death penalty is a deterrent - a way of making people afraid to commit a murder. Others argue that rehabilitation, teaching criminals how to become better citizens - is the answer. I believe there may be several approaches to the treatment of criminals. Infliction of the death penalty, solitary confinement and hard sentences are examples. It is possible that drastic punishment of criminals may prevent others from committing crimes out of fear. But above all, I believe the first aim of treatment should be to protect society from criminals through incarceration and isolation.

The author speaks about himself as experiencing crime only through what is reported in the media. As such, he feels unaffected because he does not know crime first-hand. This is a prime recipe for crime thinking it will not happen to you and therefore one does not take precautionary measures. Society has become undated, and thus, immune to crime. Consequently, society has developed similar attitudes to the criminal justice system.

The Hillside Strangler murders took place in California. A total of ten women killed by two men. The ages of the women ranged from 12 to 28 years. Ironically, thousands of people are killed each year, yet these crimes go unnoticed for the most part. It is only when serial murders are committed that the public takes notice - possibly because of a fear factor. The Hillside Stranglers are cousins, Kenneth Bianchi,