Why is it that people get different sentences for the same exact crime? Like for example some guy got 100 years for manslaughter while another did 15 years for first degree murder? It doesn't make any sense to me. Should the laws be changed so that each crime has a mandatory sentence? I assume that it would be a lot easier on the judges too because they wouldn't have to make a decision on how long someone should be put away. Another thing I don't get is how these 2 guys in Texas received 14 life sentences for attempted murder of a trooper. Why when they didn't even kill him? Not even the worse serial killers and terrorists get that long. I understand people should pay for horrible crimes but why do some get a lot harsher punishment for the same thing than others is beyond comprehension!
2007-07-03 13:29:03 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It may be flawed, but its the best deal going in the world.
2007-07-03 13:31:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
probably the best system in the world with maybe few exceptions.
that said, the problem in the us is that money can and does buy you justice.
i was charged with 4 major felonies and a slew of misdemeanors.i was not guilty,but if i did not have the money,and lots of it!!!
i have no doubt in my mind i would be doing 10-20 years.(i was charged amongst other things with attempted murder of a police officer.
the judge was tossing out 5 years for drug charges on people that obviously had not commited any violence,difference was they had no rep or a public pretender,they were in jumpsuits cause they could not make bail,and were in chains(appearance of guilt if you ask me)i had a former prosecutor as an atty,and was wearing a suit and had my 2 children with me(i am a single parent)
i got a 100.00 dollar fine and 6 months unsepervised probation.
i dont think that was fair as i did not do anything,but 5 cops saying you did is pretty hard to beat,funny thing though,at the plea hearing the cop i was charged with trying to kill told yhe judge how calm and reasonable i was at arrest?
he did omit the fact that he also charged me with resisting with violence and that i had to be hospitalized for a broken orbital bone and 3 broken ribs,all while cuffed.
funny how things change when money is involved.i did have to sign a waiver of liability to walk.my attorney told me they did not care if i was innocent or guilty,but if i sued the cops would all bury me and it did not matter if i was innocent.
thats what's wrong with the criminal justice system,amongst other things,like it is a bizness,and bizness's need customers...ergo the drug war in my opinion.
rant off!
2007-07-03 21:16:56 · answer #2 · answered by dave 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is pretty screwed up, isn't it? I don't think they should make standard punishments, because there can be special circumstances. You have a fantastic point, though. The rich and famous get of without doing time *coughparishiltoncough* It isn't fair. I also hate how punishment for killing a cop is WAY worse than killing a regular person. It's not fair. MINORS can get the death penalty for killing a cop. That's total bull. Also, they put criminals who are small time in with really bad criminals. That just corrupts them. Druggies shouldn't be with murderers! Social class and race shouldn't affect the sentance time either, which it often does. The justice system is probably so flawed because the government (currently) SUCKS.
2007-07-03 20:38:53 · answer #3 · answered by Marzo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it does seem flawed in a lot of ways. A justice system should make it easier for justice to be obtained. I think it does not help that most people are conditioned to think (without any proof) that we have the best legal system in the world, and that it is somehow unpatriotic to talk about its deficiencies. That makes reforms so much more difficult.
2007-07-03 21:13:57 · answer #4 · answered by Pascha 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very good question !1 This country is "say" to be the best of the world. ... hmmmm I wouldn't make a statement like this before doing some research. One thing for sure , There is no equal rights for all. Money buys freedom and justice.
2007-07-04 00:00:11 · answer #5 · answered by Richard 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its better than a tooth for a tooth anyway. and hey not only the american justice system is flawed, its worse in other countries. take mine for an instance, very corrupt..tsk
2007-07-03 20:40:50 · answer #6 · answered by ladyluck 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only thing wrong with it is that it is run by lawyers, for lawyers.
2007-07-03 20:41:33 · answer #7 · answered by RockHunter 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋