I think folk1e might have it.... capital punishment is NOT a deterrent. It only stops that particular person from doing it again. IF it WAS that person.... take a look at the new DNA scans/tests from old crimes.

If we 'get' them when they are young enough (given that they are not a sociopath or psychopath), make the NON-jail punishment difficult enough, they just might think twice about doing it again.

Now, jail.... a 'free' home out of the weather, meals, some medical services, laundry service, TV and exercise privileges, work release or a minimal job in the jail, conjugal visits, you know, some days, that seems like Heaven to ME!

I have also known and spoken with persons of the 'institutionalized mind set'.... many of them have said, 'yes, I did (what ever) just so I could be put back in Prison. It's the ONLY life I know and can cope with. It provides for my basic needs, and if I get out, I will do something so I can just get back in again. No real responsibilities there.'


Some offenses should be 'de criminalized' and no jail time. We can't just keep stuffing everybody in jail all the time. Marijuana is hardly a 'criminal offense'. How many of us Mudcatters have partaken of it???? Be honest, at least with yourself.

Neither is soliciting for prostitution, but the Ladies of the Night DO need help. Jail for them won't help much.

Ask any parent--effective consequences are what works. With sociopath and psychopaths, nothing works. They are wired wrong but they are also in the extreme minority right now.

Keep populating the planet at a Mega Rate and they may not be. The more individuals that are crammed into a limited space, the more 'deviant' behaviors are statistically increased per unit of population.

There are NO easy answers.