[Secret Agent Man]

and for any, many laws have a deterrent effect. if murder was just a $50 fine offense, how many more people would murder others?

[JRandomFreeper]

For some, it doesn't matter what the law says. If murder was a $50 fine, lots of folks wouldn't do that.

And you conflate a crime with a singular victim to something criminalized because legislators thought it would be a good idea.

Big difference. Murder, stealing, fraud, etc... go back to the biggies in the Bible. Don't do those.

The laws against collecting rainwater? Meh... Some folks won't obey those laws if they think they are stupid.

/johnny