An interesting take on the topic of Punishment: https://puffyan.us/watch?v=oeLTcPo-WD4

TL:Don't Speak French : A social group abides by a sense of solidarity and the punishment is proportional to the defiance from said norms of solidarity. A defiance can be a misdemeanor, felony or any poorly seen action,

Since wealth and prosperity in a social group depends on the level of Freedom permitted, willingness to cooperate and trust and solidarity, a more severe punishment for deviations actually increases both.