The severity of punishment does little to deter crime. More significant is the certainty of getting caught: https://nij.gov/five-things/Pages/deterrence.aspx h

The severity of punishment does little to deter crime. More significant is the certainty of getting caught: https://nij.gov/five-things/Pages/deterrence.aspx https://nij.gov/five-things/Pages/deterrence.aspx As well, the purpose of prison should be not only to punish, but also to rehabilitate. I would actually argue rehabilitation should be the primary purpose of prison.