Is a long prison term one of the best way to punish offenders? Imposing sentences is regarded as an approach of punishment to those who commit serious offence, and is also seen as a correctional method. Although this method has some advantages, we still should figure out some other measures to reform offenders. People who are in favour of stiff sentence believe this kind of punishment will impose deterrent effect to both the prospective offenders and habitual offenders. Who are punished by sentence means they will lose freedom, which is unacceptable for rational citizens. This also have an adverse influence on their future life, including career and family. Due to this reason, people are unlikely to commit crimes because they fear to be punished. Although a long term punishment holds advantages to some extent. We also have the option to consider community services which can reform the offenders, especially the minor crime offenders, to be a law-obeyer. Otherwise, if criminals who were put in jails and then were released, would like to commit crimes again, which may pose a more sever threat to society. To prevent more crime committing, we also can provide education opportunities and vocational training to criminals to improve their personal skills and build their confidence. Young offenders or first-time offenders break laws because of the reason that they are in deficiency of social experience and live in a low social status. If they could find a decent job or are confident about their future, they were unlikely to violate laws again. In contrast, jails separate and isolate offenders from society, which hamper offenders to learn job skills and then reintegrate into society. Overall, I admit a long prison term will probably threat offenders, but it is far from the best measure. Through some other rehabilitation programmes, we will be able to construct a more stable and harmonious society.