Name and shame for pervs

[The PIT]

Should these peoples faces be printed in newspapers.

[The PIT]

Interesting results so far. I would have thought more would gone for the life behind bars.

[Wombat]

Could you elaborate on the incident or the crime you're talking about? Pervert could mean anything from "Peeping Tom" to S&M to pedophilia.

[Ant]

For pervert read paedophile.

This all relates to a man called Roy Whiting here in the UK. In the mid 90s he kidnapped a 9 year old girl and sexually assaulted her. He was convicted and given a prison sentence of 4 years, he served something like 2 years and was released. Last year he kidnapped another young girl, sexually assaulted and murdered her. He had been released into the community under no form of supervision.

[Sasq]

In that case, releasing names may or may not be the solution, however proper assesment of the convicted person as well as supervision when and if released is neccisary

Dan

[RichL]

Problem with naming and shaming comes when someone is actually innocent, or when the tabloid press publishes the wrong name and picture - which isnt uncommon.

Unless someone confesses, or it can be proved beyond all doubt they are guilty, naming and shaming is a risky business.

[KvHagedorn]

That's the problem, isn't it? The word "pervert" is too general, and so is the word pedophile. The guy Ant mentions should be called a "monster" or some such. Someone who rapes and murders is bad enough, but when he does it to a child, that's just abominable. Can you really say this man should not be put to death if found guilty? On the other hand, what if someone over 18 fell in love with someone under 18? Even if it were a 21 yo and a 17 yo this is often criminalized. This 21 yo could be branded a pedophile and be sent to prison and have his whole life ruined. Should his name be printed in the paper and shame heaped upon him? I don't think so. If someone is really a habitual rapist and is bad enough to deserve to have his name put in the paper and all, he is too bad to even be out and among us. And I don't want to have to pay for his upkeep either. If you are going to sentence someone to life without parole, you might as well kill him. He will have no life worth living anyway. Take those tax dollars and put someone through college instead of feeding and housing some raping, murdering monster.

edit: Yes, I agree with RichL that any such naming, shaming, and whatnot could be used against an innocent person. Let it be proven beyond any doubt, but in that case, if it is an offense bad enough for life in prison (proven rape in more than one instance or murder), it's bad enough for the death penalty.

[Reverend Maynard]

I think names and pictures should be withheld until the suspect is proven guilty.

Since I don't know all the facts of this particular case I can't say what would be right or wrong for sure, but going by what Ant wrote I'm of the opinion that anything goes with that guy.

I'm probably alone here, but I would have no problem if someone saw his picture and took the initiative to kill POS. Quite frankly, I'd encourage it.

[The PIT]

The big problem already been mentioned is what happens when they print the wrong picture or you just happen to look like the picture. Then it's bash bash and wake up in hospital.

[Sasq]

Had that problem a few years ago. There was a brutal murder, and my face looked just like the identikit of the main suspect.
Made it worse was the fact my Dad was the last one in the shop before she was murdered

Many people informed the Police of the murderes whereabouts ie my place

Many people look the same, at least at a distance

Dan

[The PIT]

Also last year news of the world did the same thing which resulted in residants attacking anyone they decided was a paed.
One poor immagrant got off a train asked a child directions and the next thing he knew he was in hospital. Welcome to the uk.
This is the main reason why I'm against it

[Wombat]

While I was living in NJ, we passed "Megan's Law". Anyone convicted of these acts against children have to register with local authorities whenever they move into a town (once they are released from prison), and the town can "name and shame" as it likes. Other states have passed weaker versions of this legislation. Unfortunately, it's under attack for being "unconstitutional," although I don't see how.

[The PIT]

Originally posted by Wombat
Unfortunately, it's under attack for being "unconstitutional," although I don't see how.

Do gooders they've got to moan about something. Don't we just love them.

[DentyCracker]

OT but...

Is it just me, or has Sasq become a FAQQER.

[Sasq]

Umm three of us have
Just related to organizing stuff in the FAQ fori

Dan