What Good does Prison do?

Personally, I disagree with putting people in prison for drugs, assault, and pretty much anything else. Good to know that they're off the streets, but our tax dollars go to building more prisons to prevent overcrowding.

The only solution I'd see fit is to make the current penalties for some crimes more harsh, such as a death/life sentence without parole for rapists, or repeat offenders.

If I could have it my way, there would be less tax dollars spent on enlarging and building new prisons if prisoners would just...die.