[Bigg Red]

How about simply turning prisons into productive places where prisoners earn their keep, instead of burdening the public with the costs? That should be first priority.

***
I have said that for many years now. They could work for their keep and, simultaneously, learn the value of work. For many, I am betting, it would be a new experience.

Having them work could help pay for their sustenance and their housing and, also, give them experience and work skills to apply once they are out.

[dfwgator]

On the other hand, would that take away potential jobs from law-abiding citizens?

[PapaNew]

Common sense commonly ignored. Instead of common sense and reasonable improvements, we get the usual governmental "conventional wisdom" that is stupid and the tyranny of the status quo. Government is inherently stupid and since laws and crime and courts belong within the government domain, we're "stuck on stupid."

But there should be an exception somewhere. Be nice to see a state try using these ideas and allow the free market help out. If just one state did this for awhile, I would bet a lot would follow.