The only way to know would be to look at crime stats from 40 plus years ago. Not just basic stats, but recidivism and the like.
The way things work now, criminals know that they will never face execution (except in Texas, thank God!), practically never die in prison unless another prisoner kills them, and likely serve one third of their actual sentence. That is, if they get arrested and then are judged guilty.
Bring back public pain and public shame and the crime rate will drop like a stone.
I do agree that crime has a social component and that values are key. Certainly the depression-era crime stats show this.
"Shame" is a reflection and measure of society - and family - values.
These certainly are lacking today, and increased crime results, very true.
thanks for your reply..