Wow, a decent and at times thoughtful thread and on the whole people being reasonable. Am I really on NCM? This won't last into Saturday night, it never does.

The idea to keep first-timers away from repeat offenders is a good one. Possibly split into categories depending upon the severity of the crime (violent or not).

Also, the idea of any sentence needs to be served in full and a reduction only if you work to give something back to society is something that should be adopted. I think many people lose respect in the criminal justice system when they hear a 10 year sentence but know they are likely to be out in 5.

I've never really understood the need to privatise parts of the prison service, it should never have a profit-motive underpinning it. It gives the company involved an incentive to not rehabilitate in order to garner repeat 'custom'. That can never be good for society as a whole.