PUNISHMENT FOR CRIME

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 15 December 1932, Page 12

PUNISHMENT FOR CRIME

WHEN LENIENCY MAY BE DANGEROUS “The tendency of modem Judges/’ said Sir Henry Feilding Dickens at the farewell accorded him when lie resigned the office of Common Sergeant of Loudon “is to lean toward mercy where it is possible. But here I must sound a word of warning. (Jne must look at the other side, of tlie question. Jt must never be forgotten that leniency is dangerous if misapplied. There are times when Judges must be slprn, otherwise the sentences cease to deter. Let me give an intance. About 10 years ago manufacturers in this country were losing millions —I am not exaggerating—millions through a form of fraud called ‘Long Firm Frauds.’ The Judges, including myself, saw the necessity for inflicting severe sentences in such cases, with the reult that this form of fraud, though it cannot be said to have disappeared, has undoubtedly greatly diminished both in numbers and volumes. And now, take the present- state of violent and reckless crime, mostly by young men, which is at present rampant in tins country. The Judges, I know, are fully alive to this danger and may tie trusted to deal with it adequately. L is not a light or easy task for them, for it is apparent to any thoughtful tiersou tlnd- a strong and inhe.xible band is required to put an end to this new and dangerous form of banditry. And :! further powers are required by the Judges to secure this end, as 1 think they are, 1 hope the Legislature will not hesitate to give them.”