Which type of punishment deters crime most effectively?
That question cannot be answered broadly. Certain punishments are more effective on certain crimes. And certain punishments are more effective on certain people. Some criminals should be punished to remove their incentive for committing crimes. But there are some criminals who just need to be removed from society to prevent them from preying upon society. Obviously for lesser crimes, lesser punishments should be delivered. AND punishments (if at all possible) should reflect the crime committed — such as scrubbing walls for “graffiti artists”, picking up trash for litterers, etc. Not enough of this is done. Punishments should not punish society if alternatives are available. Jailing everyone (as is now practiced extensively in the U.S.A.) also punishes society — tax money is used. Whippings and public service are excellent punishments and (at least whippings) are not practiced in the U.S.A. But where they are practiced, crime is lower. These forms of punishment also do not cost the
