Do you think a really true criminal can rehabilitated or is it simply a waste of time?

[molonski2]

Can it really happen and a life turned around? Examples?

Updates

+1 y

It certainly appears that the function of jail ( or certainly most of them ) is simply not working , there is little rehabilitation?

[NotInterestedSorry]

Nope I don't believe they can. I say this because of certain people who I have known and met over the years. They all claimed they would change and they could be rehabilitate but they all fell back into their crimes

[molonski2]

I believe my findings have been similar.

[OddBeMe]

This is where the “soft science” of psychology is at play. There are criminals like Jean Val Jean who steal or even kill out of “desperation”.
And then there are true psychopaths. Not a real term, but it’s aka is anti-social personality disorder. Those fcks can’t really be cured.

[GreatBigCircles]

Rehabilitation is possible, but the US system is basically set up to dehabilitate to maximize residency and profits. Doesn't help that the puritanical memes of US culture means people are much, much more focused on 'justice' than improving society.

[Anonymous]

I think the one who commit minor or not too serious crimes probably can change. a lot of who commit crimes usually live unhappy lives.

If a person could find happiness in their life their personality would likely get better.

[motownplayer2000]

Depends on how badly they want to change. Most people are victims of there environment. So they get out of prison and go right back to it because that’s all they know. Not to mention, prison isn’t a place that actually works to rehabilitate anyone. It’s a money makin thing for some people.

[Hispanic-Cool-Guy]

No. 1st and 2nd degree criminals can be worked on and help change but 3rd degree criminals can't.

3rd degree criminals tend to be psychopaths so there's no hope for them.

[molonski2]

There would be a lot of mental illness in there , no doubt.

[AngryCarl2]

Yes they can change but they must want to change. The ones who can change are those who fall into criminal behaviour because of their background. Sociopaths will never change because criminality is in their nature.

[Astarlessnightsky]

It works, you just need to abolish a system where private companies profit from as many criminals as possible.

[slatyb]

A really true criminal? Do you mean a society like Trump? No. Someone who just couldn't figure out how to survive otherwise? Sometimes.

[Drewtate]

Yes but it hard to undo the legacy of Joe Biden's 1994 crime Bill.

[Drumlin2001]

Some can, maybe. But in general no. It's ingrained in their mindset.

[Anonymous]

Maybe 5% can be rehabilitated.