CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

 The distinction between "crime" and "punishment" is crucial in the legal and justice context, as it underpins the rationale and application of legal sanctions.

• Crime: A crime is an act or omission that violates a law and is punishable by the state. It encompasses various offenses, from minor infractions to serious felonies, and is characterized by its illegality and the harm it causes to society.

• Punishment: Punishment refers to the sanctions imposed by the legal system in response to a crime. Its primary objectives include deterrence, retribution, rehabilitation, and societal protection. The severity and nature of the punishment are typically proportional to the gravity of the offense committed.

In legal systems, the underlying theories of punishment may vary, encompassing retributive justice (punishment as a deserved consequence), deterrence (discouraging future offenses), rehabilitation (reforming the offender), and restorative justice (repairing harm caused to victims).

In Colombia, the criminal justice system is governed by the Constitution and the Penal Code, which outline the legal framework for defining crimes and administering punishments. The system includes various institutions such as the National Police, the Attorney General's Office, and the judiciary. Penalties for criminal conduct in Colombia can range from fines and community service to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense. Notably, the death penalty was abolished in Colombia in 1910, and life imprisonment is also prohibited by the Constitution, with some exceptions for severe crimes like murder and sexual offenses involving minors.

MY POSTURE: Regarding this, I consider that every action has a reaction and with it positive or negative consequences depending on the act of the person. On the one hand I agree that every act that has a negative impact on another person should be punished, however I consider that in any of the cases due investigations should be made to have total clarity of the facts and not to charge innocent people.