But some of the prisoners deserve it...

Though it depends what crimes they committed of course.

Very much. I don't care what offense was committed honestly, I feel like the loss of one's soul is overdoing it. Even if the soul is not taken knowingly giving them the equivalent of depression is just cruel.

^I agree. The lost of all good memories, constant anguish, and the fact that "most go mad within a few weeks" is literally torture, and not something I'd wish upon even the worst Death Eaters.

I think JK Rowling (who's been a pretty strong advocate of human rights) may have written it to illustrate the corruption of the Ministry of Magic, and indeed, the policy was abolished once Kingsley Shacklebolt became Minster... would anyone agree? Just a thought I had.

^Definitely agree with this.

I agree with @stefanvh_hpgw