Public Humiliation as a punishment

[the_rebel_medic]

This article got me thinking, is public humiliation a better form of punishment for lesser crimes then locking some one up or slapping them with a petty fine?

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — A man who lied to his probation officer about having served in the military was ordered to stand outside the courthouse wearing a sandwich board that says: "I am a liar. I am not a Marine."

William C. Horvath, 35, of Whitefish, pleaded guilty to making false statements, a felony.

U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy sentenced him to four months of house arrest and four years of probation. He also ordered him to stand outside the courthouse for 50 hours wearing the sandwich board with the message.

On the back, it must read: "I have never served my country. I have dishonored veterans of all wars."

Molloy, a veteran himself, also ordered Horvath to write letters of apology to newspapers, the U.S. Marine Corps, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion in Kalispell. The judge said Horvath must admit in the letters that he lied repeatedly about serving and being wounded.

I have to say I like the idea better then the typical slap on the wrist the people seem to get any more these days that do nothing to deter the crimes they have committed. A few years back, I remember a judge ordering shoplifters to stand out side the stores they were caught shoplifting from telling every one who entered they were a thief. The result ended with the criminals unwilling to recommit the crimes because they were to embarrassed by having to do that.

 

[15357]

Interesting thought.

Perhaps if incarceration and humiliation were done together.

 

[ComradeBadger]

It's not better, it's more inhumane.. less chance of rehabilitation if someone is forced to humiliate themselves, they're more likely to develope a chip on their shoulder.

 

[Link]

There is a very simple solution to crime and punishment, that will never be implimented.

You put criminals in a small cell, with a bed with no pillow and a thin sheet. They have only bread and water. Then you gove them the option to work or get an education. Whichever they choose, they will be paid. They can then use this pay to rent a bigger cell, buy duvets, better food, etc etc.

After a while, they will develop a sense that they should earn what they get, not just try and take it from others.

 

[theotherguy]

No. Public humiliation is inhumane and against the constitution of the united states. All convicts should only be given jail time or fines, anything else is cruel and unusual punishment.

edit: in fact I think that the judge in this case should be fined for issuing cruel and unusual punishment, its against the law.

 

[CptStern]

i think this would be better then throwing the guy in jail for a few months b/c he said he was in the marines. I guess it would depend on the situations... i know lets say... i got busted with a pound of marijuana. Id rather stand outside of my townhall with a big sign reading "IM A POT HEAD" rather then go to jail for a year and pay a bunch of money in lawyer fees and court fees.

and what happens if a few years later you're at a job interview and the employer says "Hey I remember you ..werent you holding a sign ..."

 

[Solaris]

It's pretty funny though.

 

[DreamThrall]

solaris, it's spelled "Israel" for your sig.

 

[<RJMC>]

and what happens if a few years later you're at a job interview and the employer says "Hey I remember you ..werent you holding a sign ..."

it wouldnt be worse "sooo you where in jail............."

 

[DreamThrall]

I think you only have to report felonies, not misdemeanors on most job applications. I could be wrong, its been a while since I had to fill out a formal application like that.

 

[PvtRyan]

Well for kids, making them look stupid in front of their friends is a good punishment. A police officer making you tell the class you did something stupid is not nice, I know ;(

 

[Sprafa]

as people already pointed out, your record tracks you down, and the fact that's it not that open doesn't mean anything. Anyone can get it, and you have to present it to have job opportunities. I don't see how "secret" humilitation is any better.

 

[CptStern]

it wouldnt be worse "sooo you where in jail............."

that wouldnt happen unless the employer did a background check (only certain professions require it) ..also on all job applications there's a question that asks if they're legally bonded so he wouldnt get to the interview if he had said no

...also with jail, you can be pardoned

 

[gh0st]

that wouldnt happen unless the employer did a background check (only certain professions require it) ..also on all job applications there's a question that asks if they're legally bonded so he wouldnt get to the interview if he had said no

...also with jail, you can be pardoned

almost all jobs require background checks. somehow i doubt cart-pusher (my 1st job) is one of those certain professions. but i agree with the rest of what you say.

 

[the_rebel_medic]

It's not better, it's more inhumane.. less chance of rehabilitation if someone is forced to humiliate themselves, they're more likely to develope a chip on their shoulder.

Well, let me put it this way. If I stole something from a store, and then I got caught, I would be less likely to do it again if I had to stand outside saying "Hi, I stole from here" then if I had to pay a $500 fine.

There is a very simple solution to crime and punishment, that will never be implimented.

You put criminals in a small cell, with a bed with no pillow and a thin sheet. They have only bread and water. Then you gove them the option to work or get an education. Whichever they choose, they will be paid. They can then use this pay to rent a bigger cell, buy duvets, better food, etc etc.

After a while, they will develop a sense that they should earn what they get, not just try and take it from others.

Reminds me of the old British way of doing it...

i think this would be better then throwing the guy in jail for a few months b/c he said he was in the marines. I guess it would depend on the situations... i know lets say... i got busted with a pound of marijuana. Id rather stand outside of my townhall with a big sign reading "IM A POT HEAD" rather then go to jail for a year and pay a bunch of money in lawyer fees and court fees.

Would you do it again though?

and what happens if a few years later you're at a job interview and the employer says "Hey I remember you ..werent you holding a sign ..."

"Hey, What's this in your record? YOU STOLE A LOAF OF BREAD!?!?!? YOU MIGHT STEAL MY STOCK!"

They would probably find out anyway.