I mostly agree with your first paragraph. For your second, tbh, I'm surprised to hear this. Being liberal on crime might contribute to high recidivism rates. I'd punish the rapist the same way I would a murderer. The hard labor can be reserved for non-violent thieves, con-artists, vandals, and arsonist crimes. Also, only if the murder is justified like in self defense can it be excused. We have plenty of people with down syndrome that don't murder, so it shouldn't save the murderer with down syndrome or any other brain issue from the death penalty.
Nope. Ansar al Sharia siezed an oppprtunity to attempt a bloody coup. Btw, how has our involvment worked out for the Libian people? Pretty good?
So two sailors get into a drunken brawl, and one beats the other too hard and kills him. Some would call that manslaughter, others murder, others aggravated assault, others say it's not even a crime. Rape depends on the circumstances---typically a violent predatory rapist should get executed---and if he attacked someone in their car or home---then they should be executed for carjacking and home invasion. A date rapist who gets too carried away, I'd have more mercy for.