Mandatory sentencing

[noonereal]

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/ar...ears-in-prison


First conviction for robbery an 18 year old gets 161 years without parole.

Murder convictions are not nearly as severe, 20 years then parole.

Is this country just nuts?

[finnbow]

I'm against any and all mandatory sentences as they are nothing other than politicians showing how "tough on crime" they are. It makes the scared, wimpy masses feel better/safer, but does little or nothing to improve the crime rate.

[barbara]

I agree, finnbow. In fact, I don't see much in our criminal justice system that is effective in deterring crime.

[merrylander]

Originally Posted by barbara

I agree, finnbow. In fact, I don't see much in our criminal justice system that is effective in deterring crime.

True, but it is such a great source of cheap labour . . .

[Zeke]

The concept of "mandatory" doesn't sit well with me except in cases of dire, demonstrable, need when general acceptance exists of its use (i.e., shared responsibility).

This isn't it.