There is a "I'd rather not spank my kids and have them not go to jail, than to go to jail because I did."
My brother works as a case counselor in a halfway house for people who have committed horrific crimes. Very violent offenders. Part of his job is sitting in on parole hearings, where he hears inmates talk about their past.
And FTR, anyone I know (protecting the identities) who have gone to jail have been spanked - and some "lovingly".