Cruel and unnatural punishment

Would liturgical dance be an effective alternative to prison? If so, should offenders be forced to perform it, or merely watch?

-- Rex (rex@waitrose.com), October 26, 2001

Answers

Not quite the same thing, I know, but a nineteenth century experiment in Hazel Grove, in which malefactors were forced to perform Morris Dancing, does not provide an encouraging precedent. The prisoners escaped, allowing the disease to escape and spread through the countryside. Even now, the scourge of this dreadful plague has not been eradicated.

-- Saullie (saulj@btinternet.co.uk), October 31, 2001.

During my previous life as a probation service researcher, I evaluated an treatment programme in which offenders were required to participate in 'psychic drama'. A variety of techniques, including use of tribal masks and mime were used to help course members access their suppressed feelings about their victims. Several commented that by contrast, prison represented a 'soft option'.

-- Richard Davies (richardvdavies@yahoo.co.uk), November 01, 2001.

Perhaps a rousing game or two of Bland Mime's Bluff?

-- Aimless (aimless@national_raffle_association.org), November 01, 2001.

Dammit, I was beaten to the 'Morris Dancing' answer. Watching test cricket must be a contender, both watching and playing.

-- Scott Crearie (benellisei@ednet.co.uk), November 04, 2001.