Oops. Was trying to come up with some way of codifying the right for a person to reform themselves instead of viewing a "guilty" verdict as a vindictive punishment.

I have a fundamental problem with the idea of "deterrent" and "punishment" behind the prison system - most of the people who get caught these days and sent to the slammer just come out and reoffend, creating a vicious cycle. Prison should be a place of opportunity as well as punishment - a place where we reach out with every hand we've got and say "Hey, it sucks right now, but if you put a little effort in, we'll pull you up." I'm not above punishment, but you need some carrot to go with the stick.

I just can't find a good way to suggest that.