Thread: Crime and Punishment!

Question: Say that some one committed a crime in the U.S. and they didn't know it was a crime then, but now know its wrong and want to change there way. should that person still go to prison for what he/she did?

Don't you mean "their" way? And traditionally, ignorance of the law is no excuse. With that being said, if the offense was minor and restitution was offered, plus remorse and a commitment to do no more harm, charges might be very well dropped. It would pay all travelers to familiarize themselves with the laws of their destinations to the greatest practical degree.

You're example is just one of many reasons why punishment often isn't the most effective way to change behavior.

I can only agree with Arthur here. Ignorance is no excuse. It's your own duty to get informed about the laws. And yes punishment must be fulfilled but according to the gravity of the crime. However you asked if the one should go to prison or not and so I presume that you had something serios in mind.

A couple loose joints in his pocket? A year in federal prison.

Sorry there's are loads of bugus overlapping federal and state laws for non-violent and often otherwise trivial crimes on the books. Punishment is a crude and often completely ineffective way to change behaviors.

Originally Posted by Lynx_Fox

You're example is just one of many reasons why punishment often isn't the most effective way to change behavior.

"Your" is what you mean. And you are pretty damned liberal when handing out punishment whether it is deserved or not in my experience. Just got back from seeing "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller, nice production, college kids.

At some point, it becomes less about individual guilt or innocence than about the system, or some hole's ego, defending itself.

Statistical fact for the accused- you stand a better chance of clemency after breakfast and after lunch, try to arrange your appearance in court accordingly.

At some point, it becomes less about individual guilt or innocence than about the system, or some hole's ego, defending itself.

When it's wrong it does. At the core of American values is protection of individuals from either mass punishment or being made an example of.