[Zeke]

I started to wonder reading this thread if a declining level of punishment would be appropriate in prison. The first year would allow no privileges no matter what. With good behavior and completion of skills training (don't ask me what, I'm still thinking), the prisoner moves up and continues to do so as he/she approachs release. A half way house is on these lines as a way to reintroduce prisoners to life outside.

Richard, I agree with you and have little compassion for criminals, but I think the failure rate is largely based on how prisons don't work.