VegasGeorge
11-19-2007, 10:53 AM
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN1841666120071119?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=22&sp=true
It's nice to see someone write about this. Our concept of crime and punishment is a disgrace. And, we can't afford it anymore. I say this has to stop. Here are my recommendations for reform:
Everything that someone doesn't like shouldn't be a crime. Crimes should be strictly limited to offenses against other persons, and offenses against other persons' property. Those crimes should be further broken down into violent, and non-violent categories.
Injuries, death, and destruction of property arising out of sudden unpremeditated civil disputes should be considered crimes of passion, and not treated as violent crimes regardless of how they were committed. A magistrate should make that initial determination.
My list of violent crimes would include, murder, rape, robbery, burglary, kidnapping, carjacking, assault, battery, and arson. Other crimes, such as blowing up a building rather than burning it, would fit the category.
Those convicted of violent crimes, whether against persons or property, should simply be shot at once. There should be no right of appeal.
Those convicted of non-violent crimes should be forced to do community service, and repay their victims' losses. There should be no right of appeal until after all sentence requirements and conditions have been fulfilled. Then, if a reversal is obtained on appeal, the wrongfully convicted person should be compensated for all actual out of pocket losses due to the conviction.
The only detention facilities should be for those awaiting arraignment, and for those awaiting trial for violent crimes. All violent crimes would be no bail. All non-violent crimes would be OR release with restrictions and electronic monitoring.
Now, mine isn't the only reasonable plan. But, it is one that would work. We need something that will work. We can't continue punishing ourselves for the crimes of others. We especially can't in view of the fact that it isn't protecting us from continued crime.
It's nice to see someone write about this. Our concept of crime and punishment is a disgrace. And, we can't afford it anymore. I say this has to stop. Here are my recommendations for reform:
Everything that someone doesn't like shouldn't be a crime. Crimes should be strictly limited to offenses against other persons, and offenses against other persons' property. Those crimes should be further broken down into violent, and non-violent categories.
Injuries, death, and destruction of property arising out of sudden unpremeditated civil disputes should be considered crimes of passion, and not treated as violent crimes regardless of how they were committed. A magistrate should make that initial determination.
My list of violent crimes would include, murder, rape, robbery, burglary, kidnapping, carjacking, assault, battery, and arson. Other crimes, such as blowing up a building rather than burning it, would fit the category.
Those convicted of violent crimes, whether against persons or property, should simply be shot at once. There should be no right of appeal.
Those convicted of non-violent crimes should be forced to do community service, and repay their victims' losses. There should be no right of appeal until after all sentence requirements and conditions have been fulfilled. Then, if a reversal is obtained on appeal, the wrongfully convicted person should be compensated for all actual out of pocket losses due to the conviction.
The only detention facilities should be for those awaiting arraignment, and for those awaiting trial for violent crimes. All violent crimes would be no bail. All non-violent crimes would be OR release with restrictions and electronic monitoring.
Now, mine isn't the only reasonable plan. But, it is one that would work. We need something that will work. We can't continue punishing ourselves for the crimes of others. We especially can't in view of the fact that it isn't protecting us from continued crime.