While the idea sounds straightforward, I don't believe that it's as simple as "punishment deters crime". IMHO, the deterrent effect of imprisonment is negligibl

While the idea sounds straightforward, I don't believe that it's as simple as "punishment deters crime". IMHO, the deterrent effect of imprisonment is negligible; it's primary effect is to prevent those who commit crimes from committing more in the public arena by locking them up. http://primary.slate.com/articles/business/the_dismal_science/2007/01/the_irrational_18yearold_criminal.html http://primary.slate.com/articles/business/the_dismal_scienc...