In Dubai, brand new products (washing machines, computers etc.) are left unattended on the docks & are never stolen. Why? Because the punishments are so harsh that even the most dishonest people are too scared to contemplate theft.

I’m not advocating chopping off people’s hands or stoning to death in the streets, but surely the legal system can use the sentencing laws currently in place. It seems that some sort of boredom in the justice system has overtaken their intellect. They can’t be bothered getting tough (i.e. getting real), ho hum, all too hard. What a joke!!! Life imprisonment means 10 years these days. Suspended sentences for serious crimes the norm.

Doesn’t this encourage more crime? It is so out of balance. A person caught with some dope gets a tougher sentence than someone doing armed holdups.

It seems to me that the victim is often blamed more than the perpetrator. Would blaming my father for taking my Tonka toy or Barbie doll away as a punishment justify committing a crime as an adult or teenager? Yes there are some who have horrendous childhoods & those people should have extensive couselling available to them at no charge from as early as possible.

This is without doubt a very complex question.
Firstly, our decline has been long and gradual. Most children get
their ideas and morality from their parents, as a result it will take
a generation or two to correct the current situation.

Penalties – I am all for the old eye for an eye.
You commit murder, you die.
You are declared a bankrupt, you never own or run a business again.
You vandalise some ones property, you pay, or if you are under
16 years of age,your parents or guardian pay.

Gee, I’m a bad bastard aren’t I.

Sadman