For centuries, America has been offering lucrative rewards for the capture of notorious criminals. Bounty hunting has become a recognised profession, spawning an entire industry and encouraged by tv programmes. In the noble cause of fighting crime it seems that all methods are justified and everyone has a price. Wanted terrorists, like Khalid Shaik Mohammed, were betrayed for the rewards placed on their head. But when vast sums of money are at stake, how can we be sure that justice is not being perverted? In Afghanistan, truckloads of alleged terrorists were handed over to the CIA for the reward offered. The vast majority turned out to be illiterate peasants who had nothing to do with Al Qaeda.
70,000 minors are currently in American prisons. How can it be that so many children end up behind bars?
More infoOne American prison grants us exceptional, 24/7 access. Here, 3/4 of the prisoners have been convicted of violent crimes. How is the prison managed?
More infoIn America, tough sheriffs and judges use shame penalties to punish convicted criminals. They claim these punishments act as a deterrent to others but critics say these penalties are demeaning and ineffective.
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