I don’t know enough about the justice system to know if this is a valid form of punishment or not. I was going to suggest that community service is probably handed out to people of low income who cannot pay restitution or fines, but who have not committed a bad enough crime to land in jail. (hence why many young people are given this community service)
However, after reading the answers here, I would be wrong. (but I don’t budge from my thoughts that the justice system is based on money)
But I do think it’s a good thing. I’ve had community service when I was 16 for shoplifting cosmetics. lol stupid bitch I did 50 hours in a homeless shelter. This also included free dinner every night I went, and I went there whenever I wanted; as long as all 50 hours were completed within a certain time limit. So I can’t whine about excessive punishment, plus although I lived in a poor neighborhood and knew full well what poverty was, I got my eyes opened as to what it’s really like for some who have no home, and how society discards the mentally ill. Seriously that place was a fucking mess. Never broke any laws again after that. Somewhere, I must have learned something.
I’m guessing it doesn’t serve as a lesson for everyone, but hopefully many take away something productive out of community service. I think it’s a good way to give young people a bit of a chance without letting them off the hook. Peeps gots ta learn…and if they don’t, well learn how to fashion your own blades in prison later on, haha. I think justice is crooked, but at least it gives chances and options, whatever their intent is behind that, might as well be thankful.