When people commit crimes for a cause, part of their punishment is a fine that goes directly against their cause.

I always thought that instead of jail time they should be forced into community service. Benefit the people. Work for your freedom. Depending on the severity of the crime, perhaps they can be rehabilitated and educated in a way that whatever made them turn to crime is no longer an issue. Things like theft, robbery, they did that because they needed money desperately, so why not get them into a career that will allow them to live life more comfortably and without fear? Granted some things are pretty unforgivable, so I don’t think this form of rehab should be offered to violent or sexual offenders. But if prison meant hard work, working to survive, rather than just a cot and 3 square meals, I’d wager you might see less crimes overall. Why keep them alive for free when they could have to work to earn money for food and such, and if they choose to accept a better education so they can survive in the real world, maybe give them parole, send them to college, and hopefully they won’t need to resort to crime ever again.