It is noted the idea of punishing 'bad' people, which prevails in the criminal justice system, makes rehabilitative efforts ineffective. The author believes that changes in the criminal justice system will result from a change in the public's attitude from 'vengeful' to 'compassionate.' Specifically, it would result in a decline in the incarceration rate, 'restoration of probation as a service rather than a law enforcement function,' and the welcoming of halfway houses, group homes and drug treatment programs into communities. Examples of movement in that direction are cited: enactment of legislation to establish a commission on alternatives to California's burgeoning prison and jail populations; a report released by Governor Mario Cuomo, which debunks the myths that poor people are mostly of racial and ethnic minorities and are able-bodied people who do not want to work; and the Roman Catholic bishops' pastoral letter called 'Economic Justice for All.' 2 footnotes and 1 reference.