In the news

^^ Is that Breivik topping up his tan?

Assange must be pissed off it's not them after him rather than the Swedes, he'd be out of that embassy like a shot.

I can't help but feel we're not quite being given a fair and balanced picture in that article..

No obviously not. It's an article written by a former prisoner who did time in a shit prison talking about a more relaxed penal system. But sometimes it's good to have an unbalanced POV and I think he lays his bias out fairly well in the introduction.

I'm always wary of any Scandi-model type articles/arguments. They're incredibly wealthy countries which huge amounts of natural resources, technology, and tiny populations with traditionally tight immigration controls. They don't have anywhere near the same competition for resources as say a country like the UK so imo comparisons have to be careful.

However, the article brings up an interesting question; what do you want from your prison system? Revenge? Justice? Re-offending?

Revenge? Justice? Re-offending?

Yes, Yes, No.

However, the article brings up an interesting question; what do you want from your prison system? Revenge? Justice? Re-offending?

I think most people are very mixed up in terms of what prison is supposed to be (regarding life sentences). I thought as modern civilised society we were totally over the idea of "punishment" and wanting to make people suffer. Because intentionally making people suffer and gaining satisfaction from it is a form of torture and sadism you know?

But I hear even the most lefty types praising prison over death penalty because "death is the easy way out" and that they should suffer rotting in a prison for many years.

Im not saying the death penalty is feasible or suitable, but that the popular arguments against it often revolve around this. Which I find very ironic. The death penalty in the situation of a very violent horrible criminal would be the 2nd most compassionate thing to do after letting them live in a comfortable stimulating prison like in Norway.

Doing what Norway does achieves the priority of keeping these "hazards to the public" out of the way. But it is understandable if a more heavily populated (more criminals) and poorer country was not willing to pay for this. And wished to opt for the death penalty instead. In a sensible system I where these powers were used in moderation and can be protected from corruption and inaccuracy I think this is highly appropriate.

The incident in Japan Recently is an example of how this can work in a fair, modern country. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21528526

For the majority of dangerous violent criminals who would still be kept in prisons even in this scenario, and all those kept in prison here.

What exactly is the ends of making it a horrible experience? To make the inmates suffer? The idea is to keep them from doing harm, or in the rare case to rehabilitate them. The former does not require making them suffer, and the latter would only be impeded by doing so.

Making prison some kind of hell, I imagine would have a horrible effect on the staff. Worse than if they had the job of executioners I think.

^^^
Calling Japan's justice system 'fair' is a bit of a stretch.

^^^
Calling Japan's justice system 'fair' is a bit of a stretch.

DFP I suggest you read up on the Japanese justice system before you hold them up as a good example. There was a good piece on that topic on Radio 4 recently that's worth a listen.

Er I think the major reason against death penalty is there's no going back. There's no option to say, oh sorry we made a mistake, you were actually innocent but our beloved police officers tortured and beat you within an inch of your life until you signed a false confession.

That last bit was unnecessary but I just felt I'd add that in since this place is always full of jaded, cynical, and often somewhat disturbing views.

didn't japan just execute a couple of crim's

Think they still hang people. Modern country my arse.

Er I think the major reason against death penalty is there's no going back. There's no option to say, oh sorry we made a mistake, you were actually innocent but our beloved police officers tortured and beat you within an inch of your life until you signed a false confession.

Three points are worth a mention in support of this:
Timothy Evans
Timothy Evans
Timothy Evans

Very rare for for convictions to be made in Japan based on evidence, it's mostly confessions which are extracted by less than ethical means.

pour rice down their throats and add water ?
or the old bamboo trick ?

http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/hmrc-clarifies-cycle-to-work-safety-equipment/014432

Rapha wardrobe on C2W anyone?

Zipps are integral to my safety.

Someone rep him for me.

*comments section is mostly well thought out liberal 'live and let live'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2284294/Attorney-General-vows-action-internet-users-posted-pictures-James-Bulgers-killers.html#comments

*its not

I usually stop reading the comments if someone hasn't called for the re-introduction of the death penalty by the third one down.

Even in the sport section.

One comment contains this: "Let these scumbags get whats coming to them!!". Presumably he would like to take them down the railway line and throw some bricks at them. Later on he plaintively asks: "Why dont I get a say in what happens to them?". For me, the answer to that is self evident. For a "working man" with the intellect of a child, maybe it is not so clear.

Not saying I wouldn't lose the plot entirely if it was my child that was harmed. But this guy is from Falkirk.

that chris huhne court case goes from the ridiculous to the more ridiculouser

Vicky Pryce trial: judge arrested on suspicion of lying to police

Constance Briscoe is accused of concealing contact with press over Chris Huhne driving licence points-swap story

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/feb/26/vicky-pryce-arrest-constance-briscoe-chris-huhne

I really like the story about the lib dem lord who groped a party member and then asked if she wanted to come to his room...

Am I wrong to not think it's really the worst thing in the world? Although bonus points for doing it at a conference to get more women in to the party.

By the way her definition of grope is that he touched her back but she wasn't sure if it was on purpose!?

#notagropeunlessyousqueezeboobswhilemakinghonkingnoises

#notagropeunlessyousqueezeboobswhilemakinghonkingnoises

Ways To Cut Short A Bad Date, #94