Quote:
Originally Posted by graham.hobart
My last comment..
My original point was not that they didn't deserve punishment (they did), but that they deserved mercy or clemency after ten years of good behaviour- the death sentence commuted to LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
That's what would have happened under Bang Bang.
Somehow a plea for mercy has got all mixed up with right and wrong.
I know they broke the law and should be punished, they were, but they did everything they could to reform. If you take away the chance of reformation, of mercy, of reward for good behaviour (after all a life sentence is still a life sentence), what motivation have any criminals got for redemption? Every country would be packed to the gills with rotting prisons, like the prison hulks that dotted the Thames in the 18th Century.
Slightly ironic that those inmates were condemned in reality to life in Australia, and they redeemed themselves (mostly!) in this great Country.
I will shaddup my face now!!
Graham
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Thankfully, I think your general sentiments on this issue are indeed shared by the vast majority Graham and are humane, balanced and just.
Mike