Corporal Punishment

Just some quick thoughts that were sparked by a recent discussion in Sociology class. Why are we trying to get rid of corporal punishment? I'm not talking about capital punishment (eg. Death Penalty) at this point, just corporal punishment (eg. flogging).

So, when someone breaks the law they would be publicly flogged. Say, 10 lashes for assault or robbery. This punishment would work on many levels I think. First, there is the pain aspect. We all have biological systems within ourselves that work to avoid this. True, some people like pain but that is certainly not the norm. Secondly, and for those people who maybe like or don't mind the pain, the flogging is public. This adds on some shame as well. Does anyone really like to feel ashamed? Seems to me that a public flogging punishes you both physically and psychologically. This should be something that you strive to avoid in the future, and as such, lesson learned. You can now go back to being a "good citizen."

The current system of putting everyone into jail doesn't really seem to be working. Corporal punishment certainly isn't a magical cure but I think it would be better then jail alone. It would sure cost less too. Currently it costs an average of something like $20,000 a year to keep someone in jail. This is what some "good citizens" make in a year, and they are working for it. Not only are they working hard to earn their $20,000 a year but part of their earnings are going to keep these people in jail. Rather than being locked away for 5-10 years why not give someone their lashes and put them through a shorter rehabilitation program, that they have to pay for.

Just some thoughts, what do you think?