Fines aren't a particularly effective punishment, especially when applied to people who are already struggling financially. My controversial idea is that we sh

Fines aren't a particularly effective punishment, especially when applied to people who are already struggling financially. My controversial idea is that we should be thinking more about corporal punishment as an alternative to prison or fines. Good old fashioned temporary physical pain is something that is, in a sense, fair across everybody -- a rich man can fear it just as much as a poor man. Compared to a short prison sentence it's cheap, safe, and doesn't ruin the convicted's future life nearly so much.