Towd has an excellent point - we must see this not from a personal point of view, but from abn abstract society sort of view.
It's clear that the majority of convicted criminals will serve their time, take the punishment and then get out.
Dehumanize such a person, and you can expect unhuman behaviour when released back out.
Our prison system is far from perfect, and our punishments laughable. Still, one good thing is that inmates aren't reated like lower animals. It's good because in the long run, society saves cash, trouble and energy on it.
Never heard of someone who've been incarcerated caling it a fun easy time, but I guess that depends on what ya have to lose. If someone has very little, this would mean he wouldn't mind risking it.
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Baron Claus "StSanta" Von Ribbentroppen
9./JG 54 "Grünherz"
"If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up space"