This site - Prison Works - looks interesting. A straighforward and correct proposition is a good starting point.

On a related theme, one aspect of the debate which annoys me is the concentration on life meaning life. Of course it should. But concentration on that often detracts from the more important problem - that sentences for lesser offences should also mean what they say. Take Nassem Hamed, released after 16 weeks from a 15 month sentence. If penal policy is ever to do a large part of its job properly - punishing offenders and deterring others - sentences of all kinds should, in most circumstances, be served in full. Parole and licence should be the exception, not the rule.

As for alternatives for prisons, I think we should always be open minded. If an appropriate alternative can be used, fine. Which is why I think we need to come up with a modern day equivalent of the stocks. For many young thugs, the notion of 'respect' undelies their behaviour - that they somehow gain respect from their peers by behaving as yobs.

So what's needed is a punishment which is designed to show them disrespect - to humiliate them in public. I can't think of anything more suitable in that respect than the stocks. With, perhaps, the public being allowed to throw rotten fruit and vegetables at them.

I know, of course, there's not a cat in hell's chance of that happening - 'human rights' and 'health and safety' would see to that - but if you think I'm not 100 per cent serious about the utility and appropriateness of such a punishment, you're wrong.

(via Iain Dale)