In the essay Bring Flogging Back by Jeff Jacoby it is discussed whether flogging is a more humane punishment than prison. Jacoby uses clear and convincing evidence to describe why prisons are a terrible punishment, but lacks detail and information about why flogging is better. In the essay he explains how crime has gotten out of hand in recent decades, which has led the government to build more prisons to lock up more criminals. His effort to demonstrate that current criminal punishment is not perfect or even effective is well done, but he struggled to discuss ways in which caning could lower crime rates and provide a safer environment for America. Jacoby uses many statements about how crime in the United States has grown and how flawed the American justice system currently is. One statement stated that citizens pay approximately “$30,000 per inmate each year” (Jacoby 197). This captures the reader's attention by connecting their life to the problem; it is their money, a lot of their money, that is used to imprison these criminals. Inmate rates have increased since the 1980s by over 250% (Jacoby 197). Jacoby declares that the prison system is terrible; uses accurate and convincing evidence. According to Jacoby, caning is faster, cheaper and a more effective alternative to prison. Many young criminals would be less likely to become career criminals if punished through public embarrassment rather than prison. Prison can be a sign of virility or a “status symbol” (Jacoby 197). He says that “prison is a graduate school for criminals,” providing evidence that criminals want to be convicted and be in prison, to bolster their status (Jacoby 197). Jacoby knows how to properly convey his point to the reader, saying that... middle of paper... about public humiliation or being locked up for a year. We also talk about how nonviolent criminals are affected by prison. This influences the reader's emotional aspect towards the topic because it makes the reader have sympathy causing them to lean towards Jacoby's point of view. This is called appeal to emotion and is generally not a good thing to have in a credible article. Jacoby also uses active statements to support his thesis, however statements that support the evidence for why caning is a beneficial punishment were lacking. He clearly states adequate and valid evidence in favor of his opposing point of view, while maintaining a convincing tone. Works Cited Jacobby, Jeff. “Bring back the flogging.” Current Issues and Enduring Questions: A Guide to Critical Thinking and Argumentation, with Readings. By Barnet, Sylvan and Bedau, Adam. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin, 2014. 196-198. Press