Title: PM expects opposition to 'parrot' critics of anti-gang measures
Category: Political
Posted By: Hyack
Date: 2009-02-26 13:39:03
Canadian

   

There should also be a sentence for any persons who are affiliated with a gang

   

Nobody is really 'soft on crime', as Harper puts it, as no one wants to be stabbed, robbed or raped. The fundamental difference is in punishment. Some believe in chopping off hands for theft, others believe that the death penalty deters murders, and others believe in long term rehabilitation for serious offenders.

I of the opinion that people who commit serious crimes (murder, rape, child molestation, violent armed robbery, etc) should simply be locked up for the rest of their lives in a military style prison. The CF runs a very nasty prison with a recidivism rate of less than 1%, compared to the federal penitenary system's 20+%. For those whose crimes aren't beyond the pale (like assault or robbery), parole could be given, but murderers and rapists and other bastards should never receive parole.

   

Be carefull what you say around here and don't leave yourself so wide open.

I am to understand by your comment that people should lose their ability to assemble for fear it would be considered a gang or club?

   

The "tough on crime" approach to minimum sentences etc. is rather misdirected. The criminal has to be caught first, so if his/her chances of getting caught are not any different from before, then there is NO real deterrence. Not only that, there needs to be sufficient evidence to prosecute and some have got off on that score.
More serious "time" means more not guilty pleas and more trials. With a limited number of prosecutors as well as limited funds that is also an problem, so the result will be more plea bargains down to a lesser charge without a minimum sentence. Moreover even if such charges get to a jury they will be in some cases more reluctant to vote guilty in a less than super clearcut case because of the minimum sentence.