Sentencing
I have watched the news a fair amount reciently. The cases of Craig Sweeney, who got a sentence of 5 years for kidnapping and abusing a three year old, and will be out of jail in less time than he was sentenced for. Even if the tarrif for this sentence was for the full five years and so therefore could not be allowed to apply for parole until then, how is this appropriate sentencing?
Take as a contrast the recient case of Jody Dobrowski, the bar man who was gay. He was tortured and beaten to death by Thomas Pickford and Scott Walker, and they recieved a minimum of 28 years before being allowed to approach the parole board.
Now I know that Jody was murdered and the victim of Craig was not. And murder is the only crime that recieves a mandatory life sentance, and 'hate crimes' are the latest 'hot potato' the govenment is talking about. And there are strict lawful guidelines layed down by our judical system on sentencing that the judge follows in court.
But havent they got it a teeny weeny bit wrong? I dont know if 'life' should mean ' life'. I dont actually think that prison works for alot of people, its a learning ground surely, a place where you harden yourself and learn from others, but I dont think its the punnishment some people think it is. There has to be other means of ' reporation'. Probation is one of them.
However, in these two cases I think that prison is the only answer. These three men are a danger to society and have shown no remorse for the crimes they committed.
But the sentancing? I absolutly agree with one of them. But have a real problem with the other.
How can Craigs three year old victim, (which was not the first one, because he had just been released early from a three year sentence for indecently assulting a six year old.) only be worth 5 years?
Sentencing laws and guidelines surely have to looked at. Quickly. And re-thought.
Lybxx
Take as a contrast the recient case of Jody Dobrowski, the bar man who was gay. He was tortured and beaten to death by Thomas Pickford and Scott Walker, and they recieved a minimum of 28 years before being allowed to approach the parole board.
Now I know that Jody was murdered and the victim of Craig was not. And murder is the only crime that recieves a mandatory life sentance, and 'hate crimes' are the latest 'hot potato' the govenment is talking about. And there are strict lawful guidelines layed down by our judical system on sentencing that the judge follows in court.
But havent they got it a teeny weeny bit wrong? I dont know if 'life' should mean ' life'. I dont actually think that prison works for alot of people, its a learning ground surely, a place where you harden yourself and learn from others, but I dont think its the punnishment some people think it is. There has to be other means of ' reporation'. Probation is one of them.
However, in these two cases I think that prison is the only answer. These three men are a danger to society and have shown no remorse for the crimes they committed.
But the sentancing? I absolutly agree with one of them. But have a real problem with the other.
How can Craigs three year old victim, (which was not the first one, because he had just been released early from a three year sentence for indecently assulting a six year old.) only be worth 5 years?
Sentencing laws and guidelines surely have to looked at. Quickly. And re-thought.
Lybxx
posted by lyb | 4:56 AM
1 Comments:
I know.
Politicians.....well what to say, what do they do exactly? Its all vote winning, and obviously they dont concider this to be important enough....and then the CJS, in this case the Judges get the flack.
Not fair is it?
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