How is the Scarlet Letter canonical?

How come in America, felons wear a "scarlet letter" for life?

• Where I'm from in Europe, people who commit crimes, usually do their time and move on with their lives without have a "criminal background" follow them around for the rest of their lives in some parts. If they want to move on and be a contributing member to society they can do that, if they want to screw up again and commit more crimes they go back to jail or prison. I understand most violent and sex related crimes having this stigma, but isn't some of this overkill to some people? I read that they cannot get apartments, or most jobs because they are discriminated against regardless of how much time has passed. That sounds counter-productive to me and makes little to no sense. Doesn't a person felon or not have a right to re-enter society to better themselves or is it a method of a life sentence punishment? I don't understand.

• Answer:

  In America, due to the strong Conservative influence, the justice system is intended for punishment rather than rehabilitation.