Aunty,

My novel prision idea isn't about barbarism or cruelty. It's about cost containment. While possibly bordering extreme by contemporary standards, society doesn't owe convicts comfortable accomodations. Unheated and out in the weather is in fact survivable; the homeless do it all the time.

BWP,

Sentences in the pit should be proportionate to the crime. The worse the crime, the longer the sentence. But it's still the pit. However, in deference to Aunty's valid points about rehab, vocation, and education, this system would offer that opportunity to convicts who earn it. But they have to earn it; no free lunch.

As for your Iranian example, it's not relevant here. Adultery is legal in the US, tho frowned on by most folks. Serial monogomy is the popularly accepted relationship model here.

I'm a bit shocked. I thought everyone would like my idea for a cost effective prison system.

Sg