[archanfel]

Okay, so your impression is that criminals commit crimes because a) the potential punishment isn't harsh enough to be a deterrent, and b) they aren't "self-disciplined" enough. Is that right?

c) they don't know any other ways of living.

That's why you put them into a penal colony. The emphasis is on "colony". You force them to learn a new life style, and then they got a choice once they are released back into society.

p.s. I am assuming we are talking about petty criminals, not serial killers or white collar criminals.