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Debate Info

20
9
Sure, why not? Hell no!
Debate Score:29
Arguments:19
Total Votes:31
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Argument Ratio

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 Sure, why not? (13)
 
 Hell no! (6)

Debate Creator

johnbonham32(2428) pic



Should people with a criminal record be allowed to have children?

Sure, why not?

Side Score: 20
VS.

Hell no!

Side Score: 9

As the tag says, sure, why not? But I would caution the parents to keep a keen eye on the behavior of the children until they are out of their teens. While it is somewhat hereditary, environment also plays a huge role in behavior that is questionable. Living in a slum or poor neighborhood where petty criminals get a jump start on their activities does not help a child who sees th same type of behavior from a parent. It is a terribly complex issue because it happens both ways. A child can turn out to be a criminal even though the parents are law abiding citizens. Conversely, the same is true. A child can turn out wonderfully if parented properly, even by a high end criminal. It's a very interesting issue and one that has been researched heavily throughout the years.

Supporting Evidence: Genes, Environment & Criminal Behavior (www.personalityresearch.org)
Side: Sure but with caution
2 points

Unless they were convicted of child abuse or some sort of sexual offense against children, I don't see a big problem with this. It's possible the criminal is reformed. Especially if he is out of prison by then. I'm sure there are other crimes that the criminal, if convicted of them, should not be fit to raise a child. This is because pedophilia is a mental disorder. People think it's just a fling, but people who are attracted to children have serious mental problems. I'm positive there are other crimes where the offenders are mentally incapable of raising children, although I'm not entirely sure as to what these crimes are at the moment.

Side: Sure, why not?
1 point

First off it is almost unpreventable. Second off most criminal records that are not active are just petty things. And even if that guy committed grand larceny when he/she was a teenager shouldn't have anything to do with the upbringing of that child. So I say give that murderer a kid STAT! =]

Side: Sure, why not?
MKIced(2511) Disputed
1 point

Let's not go so far to give a murderer a child. That's pretty scary, since murderers don't really have respect for human life (if they were willing to take it away from another). However, the average criminal is fine I suppose.

Side: Sure, why not?
2 points

Let's think about that for a moment MK! Do you make any exception for a murder of passion rather than cold killing? Let me explain, if you will.

A crime of passion, in this case murder, is a thing all of us are capable of. I make no excuse for the act but I believe I can make an exception for the person. It took a split second to end that life but I'd be willing to bet it probably came after much pain, like a woman who cheats on her husband and, of course, a man who cheats on his wife. I can think of scores of situations where I could understand the person doing it. That same person would never kill again, indeed, they would probably regret what they did until they died. I've heard of some of these people through other people I know and it's very sad. What do you think?

Side: Sure, why not?
1 point

Well that was kind of sarcastic. I wouldn't give just any murderer a child, it would have to depend on the crime and a definite need of psycho analysis and if they pass that give it to him/her!

Side: Sure, why not?
1 point

Depends on the criminal record. (Criminal records may very.)

Side: Sure, why not?
1 point

Ha ha ha, a pedophile walks into a child adoption agency. Ouch.

Side: Sure, why not?
1 point

Well, looking at this from a psychological and sociological point of view... and maybe some philosophy, of course they should. well, not OF COURSE. it certainly makes sense that certain people just shouldn't be able to have children (pedophiles and rapists, but, they should be doing hard enough time that they won't be able to have children... rapists and pedophiles should be sterilized and possibly castrated).

but, when we look at life and the development of nations and different human beings, we need different upbringings. we need people to live different, obscure lives in order to create a meaningful culture. when we finally live in Utopia, life will no longer be worth living. it would be dreadful and meaningless. nothing to look forward to, nothing to live for... nothing but perfection.

Side: Sure, why not?
1 point

You can't just tell some one that the cant have kids. Thats stupid.

Side: Sure, why not?

I don't think a criminal record should be held against one as a deterrent to having children.

Side: Sure, why not?
2 points

The question of this debate is the fruit of a politician. I will reply as though the moderator is not a politician.

Should people with a criminal record be allowed to have children?

Criminal record?

What is the crime? There are many laws that incriminate a person; most of which harm no person.

Be allowed?

I have no authority to determine what is, or is not, allowable of any person.

To have children?

Have children by adoption? Have children as a progenitor? Have children by kidnapping? Have a child by killing its parents?

I must say no! For, if I say yes, I might very well be advocating that every man who is guilty of any crime has the right to have my children. While contrary-wise, I might be advocating that no man or woman has a right to be a parent.

So, whether I say yes, or I say no, I am in fact supporting a criminal motive.

Some politicians submit questions that are identical in principle with the question of this debate.

I'm willing to debate the last proposition. Any takers?

Side: The question is criminal in motive

Criminal tendencies are hereditary. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Side: Hell no!
MKIced(2511) Disputed
3 points

I don't think they are hereditary. I think it has a lot to do with nurture, not nature. Not everything about us it genetic. For example, a lot of hay people in today's society are not gay because of genetics, but because of how they developed in the womb. At least, this goes for men; I'm not very sure how women are gay. I'm sure it's similar.

Side: Sure, why not?

Nature, nurture, what difference does it make? They still end up with messed up kids! So I stick with not letting the criminals reproduce. ;)

Side: Sure, why not?
1 point

The only practical way to accomplish this is sterilization... And while I see the benefits, that strikes me as too inhumane. Maybe if we were like China and choking from overpopulation, but we are not at that point.

Side: Hell no!
1 point

It depends on the crime and the circumstances. People that are already incarcerated should not be able to have sex at all. I don't really think that there is any way to stop them though.

Side: Hell no!
1 point

If the criminal has done something so serious like raping hurting or killing a child then No, they should be kept away from children, which is what the justice system should make sure it happens.

People with asbo's, theft etc. should not either as they will not bring up child with good values!!

Side: Hell no!