This is an issue I have wrestled with for many years. Recently, after the completion of the initial Human Genome research, it has become known that individuals can be genetically disposed to various antisocial disorders, violent temperament, addictive behaviours,and so on. Also, it has long been known that the early experiences of a person can warp and twist their personalities to such an extent that they become criminal and even dangerous. (I have seen the latter as a teacher) If, to put it simplistically, one is 'born bad' or 'rendered bad', can punishment be either fair or effective? I have often suspected that the concept of punishment arises from a primitive desire for vengeance on the part of the victim. Hacking off hands, castrating, branding etc. are barbaric and vengeful acts, and I hope we have moved on from this. But I care deeply about the victims, and obviously the perpetrators of crime should be separated from us for our own protection. Further than this, I have never managed to get, even after (as I said in another thread) getting to know and visiting many prisoners in prison. All I can say (as I said there) is that it's MUCH more complicated than people generally think, and the solutions are not easy to find.