I disagree,because if harsh punishments had any influence,we wouldn't see high crime rates in developing countries.it is not right the way.
For example Norway has one one of the most moderate punishment systems in the world,it doesn't have capital punishment and still it has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.That rings a bell for you?
Good point - harsh punishments are instituted as deterrents when people are clueless to solve the actual issue. It is a reactive approach focusing on the problem, rather than the proactive approach of focusing on the solution. Scandinavian countries, especially, have that going right for them - most have decent if not flamboyant jobs, good social structure, moderate religion, food security, health security and they tend stay away from conflict. it is no wonder than they are happy societies and hence also have relatively lower corruption and crime.