Quote:
Originally Posted by Doctordestiny
No bloody way. A criminal has to pay a debt to society. It's not a crime, but what about speeding say at 60 kmh over the limit. It's a 60 zone and someone drives 120. No one is injured so one might argue there is no victim. I look at the speeding ticket a debt to society, or similar thing.
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The fine is the deterrent against speeding to protect public safety, it is not the debt to society.
I'm not saying criminals should escape punishment but what is paramount to me is that the most is done to ensure the victim recieves the net benefits or reparations of that punishment which I don't often see happening in our society. Criminal goes to jail on taxpayer's dime, victim recieves "justice" but nothing further. Victim must then resort to civil suit which then, even if successful, the criminal files for bankruptcy and it is difficult to enforce. For breaking the rules of the society/community, the criminal does need to be punished but there should be considerations of time and the victim's wishes. Our criminal justice system focuses too much on punishment and not tangible gain for the victims or the state or for reconciliation as part of genuine rehabilitation.