While the idea sounds straightforward, I don&#x27;t believe that it&#x27;s as simple as &quot;punishment deters crime&quot;. IMHO, the deterrent effect of imprisonment is negligible; it&#x27;s primary effect is to prevent those who commit crimes from committing more in the public arena by locking them up.<p><a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;primary.slate.com&#x2F;articles&#x2F;business&#x2F;the_dismal_science&#x2F;2007&#x2F;01&#x2F;the_irrational_18yearold_criminal.html" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;primary.slate.com&#x2F;articles&#x2F;business&#x2F;the_dismal_scienc...</a>