[Margaret Pilkington]

That is what I meant Eric...that the states have their own rules...autonomy.
I was using a bit of literary licence when I said they could punish 'as they see fit'.

The punishments(or correction, if you prefer that word) seem to be more appropriate than what the judiciary are allowed to mete out here.

Prison here seems a more pleasant option that some old folks nursing homes, where the incumbents are paying 600 quid a week for their 'care'.
Perhaps we should be charging prisoners for their accommodation and meals.