[sershe]

Why not give people a choice? If I was facing this choice I'd prefer physical punishment to losing years of life, not to mention the physical punishment you'd get in there anyway.

Moreover, in the US after prison your life is going to be very hard, and even if the restrictions on felons are removed the kind of friends, networks, and lack of education/training I assume (including from these comment) people get in -prison would not be conducive to becoming a normal member of society.

I don't think even 30-day prison sentence is needed - what good can it do? If you're poor you are likely going to lose your job and rent, and if evicted you'd lose all your stuff.

I think that people incompatible with society (significant assault/armed robbery and up, or lots of repeat crime) should simply be executed, and then for most, the incentives should be aligned correctly. I don't pretend I know exactly how, but e.g. a sketch - let's say for property crime (including white collar) people have to work off the damage + some penalty via a repayment schedule (without any detention, maybe an ankle monitor or something); if needed, give them a minimum wage job or training - even a "welfare" job/training from the govt that doesn't pay for itself. With the alternative being indefinite detention, i.e. that only ends when you agree to work / are done working it off.