Reoffending after release from prison is one of the biggest challenges facing modern justice systems. Despite serving time, many former inmates return to criminal activity shortly after regaining their freedom. This worrying trend suggests that imprisonment...
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-08-01
Understanding why many criminals commit further crimes upon release is essential for writing a high-scoring English essay on the justice system. This guide deconstructs the topic with concrete examples, examiner insights, and a model essay to help you analyse causes and propose effective solutions with academic precision.
Deconstructing the Essay: A Model Text
Below is a well-structured essay addressing the prompt. We will use this text as a foundation, breaking down its strengths and showing how you can apply these techniques in your own writing. Read through it first to understand the main arguments.
Introduction
Reoffending after release from prison is one of the biggest challenges facing modern justice systems. Despite serving time, many former inmates return to criminal activity shortly after regaining their freedom. This worrying trend suggests that imprisonment alone may not effectively rehabilitate offenders. This essay will discuss the main causes of reoffending — including lack of rehabilitation, unemployment, and social stigma — and propose possible solutions such as education, job training, and post-release support programs.
Lack of rehabilitation and education
One of the main reasons why many criminals reoffend is the lack of proper rehabilitation inside prisons. In many countries, prisons focus primarily on punishment rather than helping inmates change their behavior. Prisoners often spend years behind bars without access to education or therapy, which leaves them unprepared for life outside. As a result, when they are released, they fall back into old habits and criminal networks. Studies have shown that inmates who participate in rehabilitation programs, such as vocational training or addiction treatment, are significantly less likely to reoffend. This demonstrates that rehabilitation is not just a moral obligation, but a practical solution to breaking the cycle of crime. …