[nybble41]

> Imprisoning people should be expensive so that it is used judiciously as a punishment.

It shouldn't be used as a punishment at all. It makes sense only in cases where a convicted criminal represents a serious threat to other members of society which can only be mitigated through isolation—in which case the isolation should continue until there is no longer a threat. In all other situations we should be able to come up with more immediate and effective forms of punishment; ideally ones with an element of restitution for the victims.

(Also: If there are no victims seeking restitution then there shouldn't be a conviction in the first place, much less punishment.)