Punishment is “punishment administered for a wrong committed” (American Heritage Dictionary). Rehabilitation means “to restore useful life, through therapy and education” (American Heritage Dictionary). What is the best result? So far it appears that rehabilitation is the better of the two forms of punishment. People expect offenders to emerge from prison reformed and become productive members of society. Retributive justice inflicts pain on the guilty. This only teaches the offender to inflict pain on others. Rehabilitating offenders through education and programming provides them with the tools they need to survive once released from prison. Offenders are offered the opportunity to take advantage of programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, prison jobs, religious programs, treatment programs, and educational opportunities. Often, when an offender enters prison without a high school diploma or general education diploma, the sentencing judge will require the offender to obtain the GED as part of the sanctions. Discussion In former President George W. Bush's 2004 State of the Union address, he stated: “This year approximately 600,000 inmates will be released from prison and released back into society. We know from long experience that if they can't find work, housing or help, they are much more likely to commit more crimes and return to prison. America is the land of second chances and when the prison gates open, the path ahead should lead to a better life.” (Justice.gov) Some of the many ways to try to reduce offender recidivism include harsher punishments for crimes, the use of evidence-based practices, and the use of determinate and indeterminate sentences. The use of the indeterminate... means of paper... inscription. In fact, it's like being punished twice for a crime, or what the justice system calls double jeopardy. Very few occupations should be allowed to do a background check. Some examples of jobs that should be allowed to complete background checks would be public safety occupations, educators, and government jobs. However, if a person applies for a job as a mechanic, office assistant, waiter or cook, that person's criminal record should not be weighed against him or her. Because there is a criminal record box on the applications, many released inmates find it difficult, if not impossible, to find a job. As stated previously, the three most important elements in reducing recidivism are a job, a good support system, and a place to live. Without work, the offender is unable to provide for himself or his family without resorting to crime.