Good Morning America had a
story
on a judge (Michael A. Cicconetti in Painesville, Ohio)
who imposed unusual sentences.
[Update: fixed link]
The sentences could be considered cruel and unusual but the people were given a choice between the unusual sentence and a fine/jail time. Recidivism has been about 2%. Sentences were crime appropriate. Some involved public humiliation.
The sentences have an advantage that they don't worsen a persons financial situation. And they may cost the state less than jail time. Some sentences were accompanied with reduced fines/jail time rather than elimination. Many sentences helped provide empathy with victims.
Having a choice of alternative sentences is probably not a bad idea anyway, for psychological reasons. These sentences
encourage the offender to think about the consequences of their actions more than conventional sentences.
For abandoning animals outside: spending a night without shelter. Calling a cop a pig: standing in a public place with a real pig and a sign that says "this is not a cop". Vandalizing school buses: throwing a picnic for the kids whose trip was cancelled. Speeding in a school zone: working as a crossing guard plus reduced license suspension.
Running from police: participate in a marathon.
In some areas, rapists are required to spend time with their victims in a safe environment.
We are punished by our sins, not for them. -- Elbert Hubbard