Crime and sentence
Sir,—To overcome the problem of a rising crime rate and over-full prisons I would suggest that we consider suspended sentences. A murderer, for instance, would be given 20 years but he would remain in the community where he would support himself and his family instead of becoming a burden on the State. A thief would be sentenced to say 10 years and he also would be out earning his own keep. (Examples from China.) Knowing that further prosecution for any crime could see them put away for 20 and 10 years respectively may mean that both would become law-abiding citizens. If a visible punishment was also considered necessary there could be removal of some of the privileges the rest of us take for granted, such as driving, overseas travel, home or business ownership.—Yours, etc., D. J. LATTIMORE. May 12, 1981.
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Press, 15 May 1981, Page 12
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143Crime and sentence Press, 15 May 1981, Page 12
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