Punishment is rarely a deterrent, Dick. Not many people commit crimes believing that they will be caught! Stop people committing the same crimes? Yes, I think so. But it should be a combination of restricting their freedom to do so and a program of rehabilitation if possible. In the Harris case it may be pointless on both scores but,to be fair, the justice system has to treat everyone even-handedly. Then we get vengeance and compensation. I think I said in the other thread that recompense must be made to the victims but on the vengeance side I am, thankfully, not in a position to comment.

Complicated issue and thanks for re-addressing it.

Cheers

DtG