The authors contend that prisons exist because societies have found it expedient to provide places in which to segregate certain citizens from social intercourse. Further, they feel that England's criminal justice system is not capable of being fair, humane, or effective and that humanity and punishment are at loggerheads. Imprisonment has been variously used to satisfy fluctuating purposes, such as punishment, deterrence, rehabilitation, humane containment, and social defense. Given this state of flux, the proper function of imprisonment as a major response to crime cannot be regarded as static or immutable. In addition, attitudes toward criminal justice and imprisonment are strongly influenced by history and tradition. Four objectives of penal policies should be to reduce crime, show concern for victims, denounce the offense, and use residual imprisonment to contain the few from whom society can be protected in no other way. Arguments against the extensive use of imprisonment in the United Kingdom focus on cost and effectiveness.