I strongly advocate consequences - and they should be something serious - not, "You can't drive the Mercedes this weekend, you have to use the Honda." But I strongly disagree that employing violence in an attempt to teach a child to change behavior is a good idea. While there may be immediate compliance on the part of the child, countless studies demonstrate conclusively that there is an undeniable corelation between the use of physical pain as punishmet and increased child aggression, antisocial behavior, depression and bullying. Sure this isn't true in every case, but there is a marked increase in these areas. (http://www.apa.org/releases/spanking.html)

The strongest message sent to a child who is subjected to physical pain in order to attempt to effect change in behavior is that "might makes right." As long as you are bigger or stronger than the other guy, you can make him bend to your will. This is a horrible lesson and there are much more effective ways to teach correct behavior.

As for torture and capital punishment, how sad that anyone would find this an acceptable way to treat another human being.

I can never remember which is better . . . safe? . . . or sorry?