What type of punishments were commonly practiced in penal colonies?

In penal colonies, the approach to punishment was often quite harsh and focused on deterrence and control. Severe physical punishment for minor offenses was justified by the extreme conditions of these environments, where discipline was paramount to maintaining order. The use of corporal punishment, such as flogging or branding, was not uncommon, as authorities believed that visible penalties would discourage further infractions among the incarcerated population.

In these colonies, the death penalty was also a prevalent form of punishment, often applied for serious crimes or repeated offenses. This reflected a broader societal belief in harsh penalties as a means to maintain law and order in isolated and often unstable environments. The overall philosophy in penal colonies leaned heavily towards punitive measures rather than rehabilitation or restorative justice, aligning with the historical mindset that emphasized strict control over the inmate population.

The other options do not fit the historical context of penal colonies, which were typically characterized by the absence of rehabilitative efforts or community-oriented punishments, as seen in more modern correctional systems.