Soft sentencing

[HenryDorsetCase]

Our judges were all lawyers once, need I say more? (It was a long time ago when they lived in the 'real' world.)

When was the last time anybody got the maximum sentence?

Where is the 'deterent' value of a sentence these days?

yes judges were all lawyers... but say my area of expertise is tax or insolvency and I get to be a QC.... then get appointed to the bench... what the hell would I know about criminal stuff? Plus, the sentencing rules are pretty rigid, as I understand it.

FIIK really, but I think we all live in the "Real" world. I just think that sentences for minor stuff are too hard, for big stuff are too little, and the concept of hard labour, and the death penalty should be reintroduced.

[Bend-it]

That's right. People in jail should be made to work for their living. Have them at manufacturing plants making all the stuff we import fron China. 100 fridge magnets a day means you get 3 meals the next. 33 magnets per meal, and 1 extra for good measure.

Or t-shirts printed, or the silver fern painted on a coaster, cheese board sets tied in pretty ribbons and packed in a box, whatever.

This could then be sold to tourists and the like to pay for food for the prisoners.

[WickedOne]

the best punishment for arseholes like that is to hypnotise them and tell them that whatever fluid they drink, except for plain water will make them vomit and be violently ill. It will work and then this dumb fuck can only drink water for the rest of his life.....that and castration with a rusty old spoon and a good kick in the teeth!!!

I like the way you think!!!

[Squeak the Rat]

I'm not a fan of harsh sentences as a rule. Not every one should get a maximum sentence as a default, even in cases like this. Judges should be able to make calls based on circumstances.

This guy though has proven himself years ago to be a complete loonie, with multiple convictions and offences. He isn't going to learn. He finally fucked up big, and he gets a relatively light slap on the wrist.

If it takes this long in ones career and one still isn't given the maximum, then who the hell will get it and how much of a bad-arse do you need to be?

PS - I know some one who imported ecstacy for the use of himself and his immediate friends. He got twice the sentence. Who's the bigger menace? Hint - One killed a few consenting adults brain cells, the other killed an innocent person.

[Bend-it]

seconded. I'd vote for that.

Woohoo!! 2 down, 2 million more to go...

[placidfemme]

See, here's why most laws end up failing. Cos they only work with people who are basically law abiding anyway.

If I'm the sort of person such a law would be aimed at, what on earth makes you think I'm going to BUY a car? When there's heaps and heaps to be had for free in every supermarket car park. Just help yourself. Law ineffectual.

Unfortunatley.... your right

Most likely a stolen car, and chances are his mates are similar people to himself and so they wouldn't blink an eye to letting him drive thier car...

We all know what the problem is.... but thinking of a fool proof solution... is very hard...

[pritch]

Quick trip to the 2nd-hand shop would do the trick!

That's worth green :-)

[John Banks]

Just more proof that our government needs to change. (I'm talking about 'democracy', not Labour)

[James Deuce]

Meanwhile, my girl works in a small class of physically handicapped kids. A very cold class so I brought them a heater. Oh but wait, they're not allowed to use it because of the cost of electricity. WTF? Congratulations on your third world status NZ. You've worked long and hard at it. Well done!

That's a different issue altogether. Physically and intellectually people in NZ are discriminated against at an institutional level throughout NZ.

[James Deuce]

Just more proof that our government needs to change. (I'm talking about 'democracy', not Labour)

Agreed. We need a benevolent dictatorship with a decent internal security minister, with a sub-department dedicated to "disappearance".

[oldrider]

With a background like his, Dowling should have been charged with attempted murder and sentenced accordingly.

He already knew that he would be likely to kill or maim someone if he drank and drove again but he did it anyway.

How many more like (Dowling) him are still out there?

Bloody Judges and Lawyers need to take a good look at themselves too.

[Finn]

That's a different issue altogether. Physically and intellectually people in NZ are discriminated against at an institutional level throughout NZ.

I agree and to demostrate this I compared how we are comfortable heating the cells of criminals, yet we can't be bothered providing a warm environment for kids. There are also cases of 21 year olds with Autism having to live in rest homes. Nasty stuff.

[HenryDorsetCase]

There is a problem with that arguement - where do you draw the line?

Off to the organ banks for exceeding the speed limit? I think Larry Niven actually wrote a few stories around that concept IIRC.

FM

I do recall it from the Ringworld series.

[Squeak the Rat]

I agree and to demostrate this I compared how we are comfortable heating the cells of criminals, yet we can't be bothered providing a warm environment for kids. There are also cases of 21 year olds with Autism having to live in rest homes. Nasty stuff.

Fucking Autistics. I just lost half a weeks wages on those buggars.


P/T = it was a donation, i funnily enough made it 1 minute before reading this.


As you were....

[Dafe]

Christine Rankin is as thick as the rest of our politicians.

Have a read of this....

http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/default.asp?id=63257

Apparantly, NZers are too soft on the issue. The issue lies with the government, since when has the current government listened to the public?
They make their own decisions.

Whats even funnier is Christine Rankin has challenged Parekura Horomia to solve the problem

What next from the funny farm?