What does rehabilitation look like in Star Trek? How might we apply some of these ideas to a western prison system? - eviltoast

I’m curious about rehabilitation. I believe crime comes from access to resources and/or from a lack of emotional education (such as empathy, patience, and sympathy).

When I hear news stories of horrific crimes, I often start to wonder: what would have prevented it and how can we move on from it?

I don’t believe in the death penalty and I don’t believe in forced labor. I do believe “confinement” paired with education, food, comfort, and time to reflect is part of rehabilitation.

What does it look like in Star Trek? In other words, what does western culture see as the “epitome” of a rehabilitation center?

  • DiogenesTheIdealist@startrek.websiteEnglish
    2·
    9 months ago

    I was also thinking of “Dagger of the Mind.” When Kirk tries to reassure McCoy that the colony is more like a resort, he replies “A cage is a cage, Jim.” Always thought that was interesting, indicating McCoy is essentially a prison abolitionist, though not indicating that that is the dominant view that has won out in the federation.