They might kill again and at which time they would need to be punished again. To me it is the concept of 'justice' and justice me be seen to be done. The scale of justice needs to be determined based on the severity of the crime. I don't believe in prison for petty crimes, like you say there are other remedies. It also concerns me that there are many going to jail for things like drugs - to me this is a social problem stemming from high unemployment levels etc - and it is the cause which needs to be addressed. SK.