I understand Richard's objections, though I feel "madness & anarchy" is pitching it a little strong. Major offences need a range of appropriate punishments.

Without looking at this judge's full sentencing record, I imagine that he is only getting creative in those cases where he feels that to do so will be effective. I believe that US judges are elected, surely he would be binned next time around if people felt he wasn't getting results. It also seems that he has limited powers [the red plate thing is only an idea so far] so anarchy seems out.

If getting creative on relatively minor offences gets results, then I would be in favour, just as long as it doesn't turn into some sort of bizarre entertainment. It has to beat locking up an increasing proportion of the population for longer periods, which didn't work for the victorians, and isn't working for us.