There are flaws to any punishment system. It works to an extent. Sometimes it is unknown whether or not someone is guilty of something, and may receive a punishment that they do not deserve. In addition, some people are not afraid of these punishments, and would commit crime anyways. Although, in general I would say that the punishment in the United States is feared by common people, not the ones who actually commit the crimes. I am unsure how I would change the system, as any changes would only present a new set of challenges.