One can admit the fact that the modern age could be characterized by the great level of attention given to such issues as humanism and tolerance. Humanity has approached the realization of a great value of human life and tries to create conditions that will be able to protect it and promote the further development of the given issue. That is why, it is believed that the changes that happen to our world could help to get rid of biased attitude and stereotypes that deteriorate the quality of life of people (Bobby & Urofsky, 2008). However, there are still many various controversial issues that introduce various debates. The felony disenfranchisement is one of these issues.
It should be said that the given practice has a long and complicated history that shows the way in which it developed. Thus, even nowadays there is no consensus and people still discuss it. Nevertheless, felony disenfranchisement still could be taken as a very important issue as it deals with the sphere of human rights, which is the basis of our society (Gray, 2005). Being very complicated, this very sphere introduces a great number of various challenges that should be discussed and the appropriate solution must be found for people to be sure that their rights will be protected (Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, 2000). That is why, the analysis of the given issue is needed.
Nowadays, felony disenfranchisement implies the exclusion of a person from voting because of his/her criminal conviction. The given practice exists for a long period of time, however, people still argue whether it should be permanent or not. It should be said that there are several perspectives on the given issue. However, it is obvious that it should be considered in terms of the modern processes that are aimed at the improvement of such spheres as leadership, advocacy and social change (Lee, 1997). With this in mind, it is possible to outline several important issues.
One realizes the fact that the right to vote is the basic right of any citizen of a state (National Organization for Human Services, n.d). Every person could take part in the social life of his/her country and share his/her opinion. However, if a person commits a crime, he/she should obviously be punished. That is why, disenfranchisement could be taken as the part of this punishment and a person should be deprived of the right to vote. However, after the completion of sentence, a person is expected to regain all rights. Thus, even being imprisoned, a law breaker should have the right to vote if his/her crime is not severe. It could have the positive effect on these people (Bost, 2009) as they will be demonstrated that they are still the part of society and their rights are respected.
With this in mind, it is possible to make a certain conclusion. The issue of felony disenfranchisement is very important for the modern society as it relates to the sphere of human rights which is given great attention nowadays. There are various perspectives on the given issue, however, it is obvious that even law breakers should realize the fact their rights are protected and they could become the part of society. Finally, the given practice should take into account the sort of crime and obstacles of every case for it to be able to provide fair punishment for these people. That is why, the necessity of change in the given field becomes obvious.
References
Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. (2000). Code of ethics. Web.
Bobby, C., & Urofsky, R. I. (2008). CACREP creates international registry. Counseling Today, 51(5), 60. Web.
Bost, E. (2009). Innovative human service lessons for—and learned from—South Africa. Policy and Practice of Public Human Services, 67(2), 33. Web.
Gray, M. (2005). Dilemmas of international social work: Paradoxical processes in indigenisation, universalism and imperialism. International Journal of Social Welfare, 14(3), 231–238. Web.
Lee, C. C. (1997). The global future of professional counseling: Collaboration for international social change. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 21(2), 279– 285. Web.
National Organization for Human Services. (n.d.). Ethical standards for human services professionals. Web.