This looks like an interesting thread. I will read it in it's entirety in the days that come. However I do have one thing to say after reading the initial post. Well a couple of things. First not only do I believe in hard labor as Ian has described it, I believe that when a judge hands out a sentence of three consecutive life terms, or 490 years it should mean that. Does that mean I expect to keep a person alive for that amount of time? No of course not. However when the criminal expires from natural causes, a plexiglass box is built. The corpse is then placed in that box for public display. That person's estate pays for this, and the storage until 490 years (or whatever) is actually over. Then the remains are released to whatever family they have, that may want them. I think that prisoners can build these boxes as well.

I don't think we can be too tough any one one that goes to prison.

Also I think instead of three strikes and you in, every one gets one chance. Say ya get arrested for theft. Alright you get hauled into court. The rules of society are explained to you. You are asked if you understand the rules of society. You answer yes, and sign a paper stating you understand the rules. You get five years probation, (or whatever society deems is reasonable). You ever get caught again, for any crime what so ever, you go away for life.

Also if it were up to Me it would work that way for DUIs. You get caught a second time Loss of license forever. Even stricter if you get caught DUI as a teen driver (i.e. under the age of 21) you lose your license forever. Part of one's driver's education would be drunk driving is against the law. So you would know before you did it, you were breaking the law.

Why so harsh on teen drivers? Because they are breaking more than one law. They cannot buy alcohol under 21, (though to be fair I do favor back to 18) and you are endangering the lives of others.

I am sure My opinions are going to be laughed at. I'm pretty right wing all things considered.