Your patronizing attitude denotes you lack of understanding of the very basic concept of justice, and the need for justice. Judicial punishment may not eradicate crime, but it exists to act, either, as a deterrent, or the vengeance of society. Either way, the sentence must be seen as punishment. If is not - which is increasingly the case - then why have laws at all? I suggest you spend more of your time thinking of the innocent victims of crime, rather than the welfare, comfort, and rehabilitation of those who perpetrate it. I'm done.

And you "clearly" have never been on the receiving end of a scumbag smirking at his sentence (I hope you never are). You say; "The judicial system (of a proper nation) is not about what people WANT." The system is rightly impartial, but once found guilty, sentencing is defined to reflect the gravity of the crime, and in that sense it is ALL about what people want. You disparage the term "revenge" as if it were wrong to seek it, want it, or require it. Well, what you call revenge, many call fair and right reparation. Oh, and yes, I did understand the recidivism rate thank you. I would point out that many re-offend to get back to their responsibility free lifestyle. As for the rate? I would turn it around and say 20% re-offending is pretty, pretty, pretty bad. It is simple, the time should fit the crime. Prison should deter - if not, what is it for? Is its purpose to make people believe that "society is to blame, not the criminals?" Sadly it is the wishy washy bleeding hearts that have turned criminal behavior into a vocation with the promise of a holiday camp, free meals, and training if caught.

So, whatever the crime - a mass murdering, pedophile, rapist - he/she will get a maximum 21 years and be let back into the community? And the warden says; "When released, what sort of person do you want as a neighbour, an angry person, or one that has been rehabilitated?" No, what people want is justice and a punishment that fits the crime. Someone capable of bestial acts, showing no mercy for the victims, does not deserve rehabilitation. This place actually rewards criminality. "Come on in. We provide food, entertainment, training and even pretty guards. After all, your rights are more important than your victims."

Now THAT'S what i call an efficient eating machine...

Vger

Absolutely love his enthusiasm. Good job Paul, Galileo would be proud of you.