Of course, all these 'punishments' (if that's what you'd like to call them) also bring up the question, "What on earth is wrong with some people?" lol
Seriously, I don't think hurting someone because they've done something bad is the right answer. They should be punished (scolded?)...but not in a physical way (hanging, crazy horse tying..stuff..). It's just like hitting your child because they don't listen. I don't see how that would make things better, other than maybe have your child scared of you (or angry at you), and it might just make matters worse.
And the guy who killed the baby...that is just sick and twisted. Of course a baby is going to get more attention than you, without it the baby can't live, whereas you can. Some people... -shakes fist-
Okay, I'm done my weird, all over the place...rant(?).