Daniel Mireles, a Harris, TX man, has been convicted of stealing money when he worked for the county. Along with paying back over $200,000, jail time and community service Mireless and his wife, and accomplice Eloise, must stand on a street corner in front of their home holding signs that read , "I am a thief. I stole $250,000 from a Harris County crime victim’s fund.” Each must sign their first and last name to the sign as well.
Do you believe this sort of legal sentence will work as a deterrent for other criminals, or is this cruel and unusual punishment?
To read the full story follow the link below:
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=7544819
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Humiliation does not solve any thing. I understand the general idea of this type of punishment, but I still feel it is a waste of everyone's time. Where are we going in this society that it is acceptable to put each other "on blast". My mother always taught me that two wrongs do not make a right. If the goal is to inform the community, there are other ways of handling that. I would like to see more respect being shown. Not just to the people we pass on the street who we assume have "done nothing wrong", but even to our criminals/ I am not suggesting we reward them by any stretch of the imagination, but what's wrong with a little compassion?
ReplyDeleteAyanda B.Online
ReplyDeleteI am a Criminal Justice student and do believe that the sentence handed down was fair. Any time a person is given an alternative sentence other than incarceration it is a win win. Daniel Mireles was was given a position of public trust in which he violated his oath of office. He should be held liable for his actions just like any ordinary citizen.
Ayanda B.Online In response to cdee
ReplyDeleteTwo wrongs don't make a right but justice has to be served. What better way to punish them than for them to be put on front street for their actions. They are criminals and should be treated as such.
Ayanda B.Online
ReplyDeleteNo I don't think the punishment will be a deterrent for other criminals because people are people and will continue to do anything to get money. In this case it was not cruel and unusual punishment it was only a slap on the hand.
BrendanB tues thurs 6-8pm
ReplyDeleteI think that them having to hold a sign and humiliate themselves is a great idea. Sure it might not work to keep other criminals from doing it but it will keep this man and his wife from doing it again. There was another story like this 4 years ago were a kid stole something from a Wal-Mart and his mother and Wal-Mart made him stand out front of the store and hold a sign that said he stole from there and that Wal-Mart did not have many thefts after that. Also that is not cruel and unusual punishment there is a man near where i live and everyday rain or shine he is out there holding a sign saying that he is looking for work to make a honest living and he is not doing it because he has to but because he wants to so he can make a living. So in all i think it was a great idea for them to make that man and his wife stand there and hold a sign that says they are criminals.
Sabrina M.
ReplyDeleteI’m sure that there have been some instances where embarrassment has been successful in deterring crimes; however, I don’t see how this is a fair punishment. Personally, I think that Daniel and Eloise Mireles should have been given longer prison sentences in order to be punished for their crime. At least if they were in prison they would have a constant reminder of the crime they committed, and they would ideally be less inclined to commit another crime when they rejoined society. In my opinion, it is cruel and unusual punishment to subject people to embarrassment. Embarrassment may lower the offender’s self-esteem, but it can’t be guaranteed that the offender will actually learn something from their mistake.
Sabrina M.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, I think criminals would be more likely to commit crimes if they knew that the punishment would be embarrassment rather than serving hard time in prison. Sure, Daniel and Eloise Mireles may feel embarrassed for the first few weekends of the sentence, but soon it will be so routine that they won’t care as much anymore and the punishment will be ineffective. Also, the same people will probably be driving by every weekend, and eventually those people won’t even glance over to see the people on the side of the road holding up a sign because they won’t care anymore either. On a side note, I don’t think that this sentence is very safe. By making the criminals stand in front of their home, it’s basically welcoming angry people to vandalize their property.
I remember reading about this story. What they did was wrong, stealing. The thing about a sentence like this is that , who is going to see to it that he follows through and acturally holds this sign every Saturday for 6 years? If he is being held accountable by someone, fine, but otherwise it is just words. I do think 6 years is a bit long, maybe a couple of years? They also should be held accountable for paying back the money. Stealing from your employer is a very low thing to do. I do not know if this will make him regretful for what he did, only he knows that. One thing is for sure , he will never forget this and what he did. It may work with other criminals, holding a sign announcing their "sins" , crimes, etc...maybe there should be a field study in this to see if thie over time really works with criminals.
ReplyDeleteDenise Miller- online student
Denise Miller- In response to cdee- online
ReplyDeleteI do not know either if humiliation solves anything, especially where this case is involved. Only tim will tell and see if he commits any other crimes. As far as compassion you mention , I do not think compassion is necessary here, he committed a crime and he now must serve his sentence, whether we agree or disagree.
Denise Miller-online
Angela A.
ReplyDeleteI believe holding the sign will affect these criminals, but only minimally. These people are obviously sociopaths, so embarrassment or humiliation will only go so far. However, I feel that a confessional sign WOULD affect other criminals (such as sex offenders or hate crimes) with much more impact.
Nicole L./Online
ReplyDeletePutting thieves on display in the community where they were doing the stealing is a great way to get through to some criminals. The criminals holding these signs will feel the real impact of their criminal acts. The citizens coming into contact with these criminals will allow for a real life, raw, emotional sentence. Getting the citizens involved will allow for a positive impact on the overall sentence in my opinion. By enduring public humiliation, these criminals will more than likely not perform future crimes. As for this sentence being a deterrent for other criminals, it probably won't aid with that wanted effect. However, if the criminal with the sign is standing in front of a store they stole from then perhaps it will prevent others from going inside and stealing at that time. I don't see this type of sentence as being dubbed cruel and unusual punishment when we put other criminals in what is pretty much a cage with no contact with civilization. Being accountable for their crime in a public place will have a better impact on future crimes than locking these criminals in a confinement cell year after year where any sane person would eventually go insane.
Kourtney C. ONLINE.... IN Response to Ayanda B.
ReplyDeleteI agree that anything either than going to jail is justice.HE WILL ACCUTALLY remember the himilation more through out life than a jail sentence.
Jamie K. - Online
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that these people are criminals and deserve punishment. I do believe that more "hard" jail time would serve more of a purpose than holding up a sign. I believe criminals will think they can steal large sums of money and just be put on a corner with a sign and get away with easy punishment. If a criminal has no problem stealing $250,000 than it probably doesn't affect him to much to hold up a sign confessing to his crime especially since this story is already public and fellow citizens already know about it.
Courtenay Seay-Online
ReplyDelete(I forgot to put my name on my first post-sorry!)
In response to Sabrina M., and many others.
Your opinions actually opened my eyes to the possibility of this being a valuable tool to punish criminals. I am still on the fence about it however. I do agree that some people will remember the humiliation more. Some people will also remember a jail sentence more. Everyone is different. Also, you have to think about the crime committed, I can see this method of punishment (like every other) being abused. Another thought is, does this act of standing on the corner w a sign really benefit society? Or even the accused? Isn't that what we should be striving for? I am not saying it does or it does not have an impact, it is just something to consider. I don't really like the thought of humiliating anyone, but I don't think we should kill our criminals either. I suppose you have to choose the lesser of the two.
Jamie K. Online In response to Kourtney C
ReplyDeleteHow is holding up a sign more efficient than spending time behind bars? I believe holding a sign for one day doesn't even come close to the humiliation of having no freedom and being locked up? A jail sentence goes on your permanent record, every job, school, organization, etc. will be able to see that. I believe that is much more humiliating than holding up a sign for one day, especially if you can disguise yourself with clothes...
Courtenay Seay-online
ReplyDeleteIn response to Denise Miller
You said:
"I do not think compassion is necessary here, he committed a crime and he now must serve his sentence, whether we agree or disagree."
Yes, he must serve his punishment whether we agree with it or not. I completely agree with that. However, compassion is ALWAYS necessary. Always. I do not suggest he needs a pat on the head and a piece of candy. I do suggest we remember he is still a fellow human being.
Bottom line is yes, criminals need to be punished. I just don't see why or when it's ever necessary to stop having compassion for people.
Jillian G
ReplyDeleteI dont believe that it is a deterrent for other criminals, people are going to do what they think that have to do regardless of the consequences that they face. I dont think is cruel to embarrass them and make them stand in front of there house and hold that sign, the embarrassment is good for them to make them realize what they've done, compassion isnt for people that steal money. if they wanted compassion they should of thought before they decided to steal thousands of dollars from a crime victims fund. if someone stole money or something from you, you wouldn't think its so cruel because its not. They werent thinking about the people they were taking from so why should we think or have compassion for them. Fair as fair.
Annsley Baldwin
ReplyDeleteAnyone who steals that much money should get a much harder punishment than that. The law and court systems this day and time are too easy on people. Standing on a street corner holding up a sign stating what she did wrong, is easy punishment. How rediculous! If she can steal that much money,
she can hold a dang sign in public and let people laugh at what an idiot she is. I think she's getting off too easy. They shouldn't pay to lock her up and let her live a easy life where she gets fed, a place to live, and everything else prisoners get in jail. They should shoot her and be done with it
Angelyn Allgaier- online
ReplyDeleteI do not think that this punishment is cruel, although it is unusual. Taking something that is not yours is wrong, but taking it from a crime victim's fund is just cruel on so many levels. I think it is great that everyone will see what they truely are as they wear their scarlet letters, so to speak.
As for humiliation, I'm not sure they will feel a thing. For someone to be humiliated they must first have a conscience and pride. These people obviously have neither.
Angelyn Allgaier- online, in response to "cdee"
ReplyDeleteCompassion?? For criminals??
I understand that sometimes people do what they have to do, whether it be legal or not, in certain situations. Maybe your mother is deathly ill and the medication is far too expensive so you decide to steal it to cure her. Or you write a bad check at the grocery store so that your kids can eat dinner instead of going hungry yet another night in a row. People act out of desperation at times, it is human, and I get it.
However, when two able-bodied people draw out a scheme to steal hundres of thousands of dollars from a fund that is set up to help those who are already victims, how could you possibly have compassion for them??
I feel that this very line of thinking is what is so wrong with our country. Maybe if people were a little more afraid of the consequences of what their actions may cause, they wouldn't act like the lowest of the low as these two Texans did.
LaVette McDowell- Online
ReplyDeleteI believe that the punishment was not cruel. I believe that it could have been even harder against those individuals. If I were those punished I would be thanking the gods for that punsihment. They got away with that money and then their punishment is only repayment, community service and embarrassment. Too easy.
Lisa W.-online
ReplyDeleteI don't think the sign was necessary. Sure it will make them think twice about committing another crime, but so will jail time and paying all the money back. I just think that they could've been sentenced to something more productive for the community. I don't believe it will have any impact on any other criminals. Criminals know the consequences of getting caught when they commit a crime, you have to be pretty low to do something like that anyways, a little humiliation won't change their mind. Every theif has it in their head that they're not going to get caught, unless thats their intentions, just like cheaters, abusers, and murderers don't expect to get caught. They're going to do it, no matter what the consequences were for the ones who did get caught. I don't think it was cruel or unusual, but I do think it's pointless!
Lisa W.-online
ReplyDeleteIn response to Annsley Baldwin.
Just shoot her and be done with it? Seriously, that is rediculous and incredibly pointless. What good would that serve? You can't kill everyone that commits a crime, that does no good, there will always be someone else! Instead, they can be sentenced to do something good for their community! Yeah it's bad, but it can be turned into something good. They could be forced to pay back $300,000, and do community service. Then the funds will be higher because of their crime, and the community will profit. And if they have children, why should they lose a parent? Then they would suffer as well. Ignorance!
Tracey D. Bailey....In response to Angela A.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Angela, that holding a sign will not stop the crime or make a person think twice but i believe that sex offenders, rapist and thiefs should have to hold a big sign in a public area showing others what hte did was wrong. Once a person gets that humilated they tend to think twice about what they do because they know NOW that others are watching them.
Courtenay Seay_Online
ReplyDeleteAngelyn Allgaier,
YES! Compassion!
How ironic! I believe your line of thinking is what is wrong with this nation. Why is it so hard to understand compassion? I never suggested we throw a party for the wrong doings. I never suggested we commend him either! I ALSO never said criminals shouldn't be punished. This particular punishment isn't as bad as I first thought. That's what's great about debate! Why is it necessary to hold such hate and contempt for someone because they did something wrong?
Where do you think crime comes from anyway? Hate? Anger? Would you agree those are at least two of the fuels that feed criminals? So, does it not make sense that the less of those two things there are, the less fuel criminals will have?
Sure what these people did was horrible and wrong. Yes, they should be punished. BUT, they are still people! What if it was your flesh and blood relative? Maybe even your son? You would be disappointed and maybe even embarrassed. Would you stop loving them? Why does it become so largely different when it is someone we do not know?
I don't know. I don't have any answers. That is just my opinion and it saddens me that so many people don't know how to wrap their minds around that concept.
Kourtney C.-ONLINE
ReplyDeleteOkay i am really not "big" on this topic because i have "criminals" in my family and like i said anything beats going to jail.I am not saying if you rob a bank to hand out community service but have a little compassion for those who havent killed,or robbed anybody.PPl make mistakes and what better way to show the world the United States is the place for second Chance.WE have to quit throwing ANY and Everyone under the jail, while hardworkers like myself are paying for it. Thanks
Mary L Online
ReplyDeleteDid viewing this video or reading this post remind anyone of the medieval punishment of the stocks? It is an outdated and unjust punishment to any crime, especially for such a lengthy time as 6 years. I would have to pose the question, does the punishment fit the crime? The plane answer would be no. What does public humiliation have to do with thievery? There were two reasons the stocks existed, for punishment and for entertainment of those around. Have we really come full circle in time where we have to watch the misery of others in a public forum. Maybe that is a silly question to ask considering we have caged fights on pay per view and when a large sum of the public who witness a dangerous fight would much rather record it on their camera phones to later post it to Youtube.com then put their phones to better use such as dialing 911. If we look at what sells in mass media it is interesting to see that sex and violence are neck and neck for the most popular. So my point to this rambling is honestly, have we really evolved at all, or is are technology just getting more efficient? ... seriously, public humiliation, why not something more productive like not only paying back the stolen money (with interest), but also paying an equal or larger sum to a charity that do a greater good for the community, instead of giving the community another opportunity to show negativity?
Courtenay Seay - online
ReplyDeleteMary L, I like this "instead of giving the community another opportunity to show negativity? "
Margaret F-online
ReplyDeleteI would have to say that this type of punishment isn't going to stop anyone from being criminals. If someone has set their mind on doing something illegal they are going to do it. This punishment is acceptable to this couple because they don't have to go to jail and were willing to accept anything not to spend time in jail. Each case should be judged individually and let the punishment fit the crime.
Margaret F-online
ReplyDeleteIn response to Angelyn Allgaier
I have to agree in order for something to be humiliating one must have pride and feel they've done something shameful. So this part of the punishment will actually not faze them but just may make them think before they act.
Zach Bragg tues/thurs 6-8pm
ReplyDeleteThis sort of punishment is ridiculous and child like. The man and his two helpers payed over $200,000 of the money back served jail time and had to do community service. With this sort of crime holding a sign on a street corner doesnt mean anything. What they had to pay back and serve is more than enough, and if they were the type of people to do it again, I dont think they would say to themselves " My goodness that was so embarassing I am never doing that again!" nope they wouldnt care and would spend that time standing around plotting how not to get caught next time. I agree if your kid is stupid and shoplifts than making them stand outside of the store would probably stop them from doing it again, unless they are kleptos, because they dont want there friends coming up there and laughing at them or take time out of there weekend partying to look stupid. The way to stop crime isnt by being creative and doing things outside of the box or being edgy, it is by enforcing the real punishment to the fullest and raising up better people so future generations have less idiot criminals, because we all know no matter what we do there will always be those people out there doing the realy bad things.
Robert P-Online
ReplyDeleteI have no sympathy for anyone that has knowingly broken the law. I would like to see these people perform more community service. There’s a lot of trash on the sides of the roads; Public grassy areas that need to be maintained. Is this humiliation? Yes. Why shouldn’t they be humiliated? Is this cruel and unusual punishment? No. Will it deter future crimes? No. Has the death penalty stop murder? No. Has the threat of life behind bars with no parole been a deterrent? No. There are people in this world that have no respect for the laws of the land. No matter the consequences, they will do what they want to do.
Nicole L./Online
ReplyDeleteIn response to Robert P/Online
Wow Robert, excellent examples you gave! It's all so true. Criminals have no regard for what's right and no respect for the laws as they are. These consequences these criminals face that include death are only a deterrent for people like you and I. There are so many repeat offenders, that only leads me to believe that there is no true deterrent for them. Robert you also brought up a great point stating the fact that the criminals picking up the trash along the roads is a form of humiliation. Offenders holding up signs is just as humiliating and the very people who are against this type of sentence are probably all for them picking up trash. No matter how humiliating or harsh the consequences, criminals deserve what the judge hands them as their sentence.
Amanda Caputo-Online
ReplyDeleteI do not think that the legal sentence will work as a deterrent for other criminals. I also think that it was an unusual punishment. I don’t think that they should of had to stand with signs that said they stole money. They should of just had to do their time and move on and pay all of it back. It’s not fair to make them stand and hold a sign for something they did. It is not going to help other people that are taking money from people because people will do anything to get the money they want and need to make it in life.
Amanda Caputo-Online
ReplyDeleteIn response to Zach Bragg
I totally agree with you that it is child like. They served jail time did community service and paid back almost all of it. I think that should be enough like you said. You are also right if they were to do it again they would not look back on holding the signs on a corner street.
Jamie L. Online- In response to Ansley Baldwin
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you would say just shoot her and be done with it? That is horrible to say, and that wouldn't even be fair. Everyone makes mistakes in their life. NO ONE is perfect! I make mistakes, you make mistakes, and so does this lady who stole. But that is very cruel of you to say that! And jail is no easy life like you said, it is a miserable lonely life with no outside connections, and no freedom! These criminals do deserve a just punishment like jail time. But I also believe everyone deserves some sort of compassion in their life! Everyone grows up with different backgrounds, and a different childhood, you never know what the person standing beside you has been through. That does NOT make the criminals innocent by any means, but im just saying!
Atiya D. Online
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree with this form of punishment. It is not enough for people to just go to jail. Some people have innate ability to take a private hell like that and use it to their advantage. With the addition of the public humiliation they are exposed to constant public reminders of their crimes. They can't sleep or read this sentence away. They must face it and prove to society that they can be trusted and uphold their place in the world with honesty.
Atiya D. Online in Response to Amanda Caputo
ReplyDeleteI must disagree. What is to stop them from doing the crime again but with a better outlook on how not to get caught? Everyone has heard a story or watched a show where the criminal came back with a better plan and a sure fire way to escape. Who is to say that the slap on the wrist won't entice them try for a better crime and succeed. This should be prevented if possible and if that means embarassing a couple of thieves so that crime victims can be helped, than so be it. Why would you want to care about their embarassment anyway? They didn't care for the people they stole from.
Kavitha G
ReplyDeleteCould shame be a well enough punishment? Standing on the corner holding, “I’m a thief. I stole $250,000 form a Harris County crime victim’s fund.” That just alone will a bulls eye,putting them in danger. I believe jail time would teach them a lesson. After they are finished holding the sing, yes, they will be embarrassed but they will not have time to think about their mistake which they could be doing sitting a ceil.
Lindsey Miller
ReplyDeletei think it wont deter other criminals i think once they decide that they are going to commit a crime nothing will really stop them. i dont think that embarrassing people who have done wrong is a problem. but if they didnt have enough of a conscience to not steal then i doubt they will feel too bad about having to hold some sign. it almost seems like a child's punishment.
Rachel H. Online.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe that this will solve anything. Humiliation is not really paying for something, I think it is just causing a person to become more upset and bitter about what they are having to do as a punishment. I believe it would of been better if they had just served some jail time instead.
Rachel H online in response to Amanda Caputo-Online
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you are saying. It is not going to keep anyone else from stealing. It just seems like a stupid form of punishment to me.
Courtney B.- Online
ReplyDeleteI think that if you break the law that you should have to do your time and any other legal punishment that is assigned to you. However, I do not think that holding a sign saying what you did will change anything.It will not defer future crimes.If someone wants to do something illegal, they are going to do it no matter what. No one is going to be threatened at the thought of them having to hold a stupid sign up.Its silly and childish.
Courtney B.-Online
ReplyDeleteIn response to Lisa W.
I agree with you, they should choose something that could be productive to the community, standing on the side of the road holding a sign does nothing for anyone. And they already know what they are getting themselves into when they commit a crime and most don't care.
Chelsea J.-Online
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of the law. I think it's there for a reason. Are there things I'd like to change? Sure. But for the most part, I respect it and it's purpose.
I don't think that inventing new and creative ways to punish someone is a part of the law. I believe that criminals such as these should receive the jail time they deserve. Standing in public holding a sign doesn't benefit anyone.
I've never understood the whole "making an example out of you" thing. People shouldn't have to be made an example of. You commit a crime, you should be punished according to the law (I guess in this case, it's up to 10 years in prison).
Public humiliation is something that I think gets overlooked in so many forums. I dropped a class one semester because a teacher pulled me up in front of everyone and told me that I wouldn't get a good job with the tattoos that I had. I didn't deserve that. People don't deserve (no matter what they have done) to be paraded around as some judge's form of entertaining punishment.
I think it's sick.
~ Katie H. (online) ~
ReplyDeleteWhat ever happend to the "You did the crime, you pay the time" concept i grew up on??
I do not understand how the legal system can let criminals get away so easy and be lenient with them. Daniel and Eloise Mireles recieved 180 days jail time which they will spread over a 6 year period, 1,000 hours of community service between them, they have to pay back the money THEY STOLE, and every saturday for the next 6 years they need to hold a sign on a busy highway for 5 hours at a time. I believe there are so many flaws in this sentencing. They will get so use to the idea after the amount of times subjected to it that it loses its intended effect. It becomes more of a ritual than a punishment. There is really no way to tell if they even go every saturday unless they had a court appointed time. Besides how many times do you see a person on the side of the road holding a sign and not even glance sideways at them. Honestly though, I feel the whole sign concept makes a mockery of the system and is ridiculous and overall uneffective.
In conclusion, I do not believe this sort of legal sentence will work as any kind of discourage or prevention for other criminals. If anything it may increase the rate of crimes. The punishment is not cruel but is unusal and seems rather ridiculous.
I believe that the punishment is just. Society is becoming an ever worse plague. Most people think if they can get away with it they will do it, there is very little honor left today. Most people live out of their means and thinks it okay to steal to pay for the lifestyles. This is what is wrong because most don't want to admit it but trying to have it all is the problem alot of the time. I think it is great the the thiefs were punished in this fashion for all to see.
ReplyDeleteJessica C.
ReplyDeleteWhen first reading I was shocked and thought why would they do something like this. I also, thought humility does not solve anything. Then I stopped I really thought the blog through. My thought is it is unorthodox to say the least, but it I do not think it is cruel and unusual punishment. I think that it is actually a good idea. I say this because if you look at past history jail time alone does not usually work for people. A good majority of people who have been in jail before end back up in jail. So I think it is a good idea to have them stand on the street. I'm not saying it will work, but eventually enough is enough and when just jail is not working you have to start trying other things. So yes it is embarrassment, but if you did the crime you better be prepared to take the punishment.
personally i have always been linient with wrong doers thinking , everyone does wrongat one point,and people make mistakes......that is until someone broke into my apartment turned it upside down and stole all jewelry, my laptop and tv.....thats when my mindset changed. wrong doers should be punished for their actions, this prevents them from doing it again and others from trying to emulate the same behavior. it doesnt matter what it takes, if embarrasment will solve the issue then let it be used. in this case i think it applies well, because its not like they broke into someones house or killed someone. and it is good that different forms of punishment were used because in this case it works as a stronger reinforcment for behavior because some people have no shame or guilt so making them stand with a sign would not affect them in any way, and some people have the money so 200,000 may not mean anything but putting all those forms of punishment together i think works well to ensure bad behavior is negatively reinforced.
ReplyDeleteJessica C. - IN RESPONSE TO EVERYONE WHO THINKS THIS IS CRUEL PUNISHMENT.
ReplyDelete65% of all criminals are repeat offenders (this means they end up going back to jail). With numbers like these how can you say that this punishment is cruel. After seeing these numbers what do you expect the law to do. I mean obviously jail time alone is not working. Therefore, something must be done, and I'm not saying holding up a sign will do the trick for all crimes, but it cannot hurt to try, something must be done so once people get out of prison they stay out of prison. I think it is a wonderful idea!
Chelsea J.-Online
ReplyDeleteIn response to Jessica C.:
I think it's sick for two reasons:
1. Public humiliation is cruel no matter who the person is. No human being deserves that, no matter what they did. I don't think rapists or murderers deserve it either. They deserve the justice of the court.
2. What kind of judge would sit there and say "You know what I think would be a good idea? Let these people take a Saturday and stand on a corner holding a sign." I think it shows lack of respect for the laws that are in place. I think it shows a nonchalance about justice. I think it is a joke of a punishment.
Yes, several criminals are repeat offenders. But these people did not only have jail time. They had community service, they had incredible fines to pay and jail time. There's only so much you can do to keep a person from doing it again, short of removing them from society (which is what prison is supposed to do). I don't think holding a sandwich board outside the Piggly Wiggly is going to send anyone a message.
Franklin Chapman - online
ReplyDeleteI like the way this was handled honestly , and i think that it may be a good way to reduce some offenses, by making the offerders be humiliated in front of so many people.
This punishment seems like it would be more effective thasn just imprisonment, by making them feel horrible it seems like it would be better than putting them in prison where they have to be locked up and just live and waste a few years of their lives, this way they live their lives normally, but in a shameful way which i think will make them think it over more before doing a crime such as this again. This punishment in my opinion should be a more widely used thing to make more people obey the law.
Franklin chapman - online
ReplyDeletein response to Chelsea J.
I do not think is a sick way , because if someone is already sick enough to steal from the public, and really no reason other than greed , then they deserve it. And also how is holding a sign such a bad thing? At least he gets to live outside of a jail cell, and have a life, but live it shamefully. Remember he did commit a crime and does deserve it, and it sure beats "dropping the soap" in my opinion, so whats so sick about it ? its a much more fair way of punishment, and it will him think more about doing a crime like this again.
Kristyn B. - Online
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that shame punishment is an effective approach to ward people away from committing crimes. I think that this penalty is too lenient and people should be ashamed of their actions at their own discretion. So, it is up to law enforcers to penalize law breakers with actual punishments. Like in this case, the offenders have to spend every weekend for the next six years wearing these signs on top of repaying fines and jail time. Instead of making them wear the signs they could be helping the community they stole from and do some charity work or have to pay back more than they stole from the victim's fund. We should not trying to make the guilty people feel some emotion about the crime they committed, that is not for a judge to order them to do.
Kristyn B. - Online
ReplyDeleteIn response to Billy Sims
I agree with you that “society is becoming an ever worse plague”; but how can you generalize all your later statements by saying that “most” people think a certain way? If most people think this way then how will we force them to think a different way? How will this punishment be “just” if they are preoccupied with ‘having it all”? Would not then the punishment be too easy because they are not being restricted from trying to still get it all? So maybe these offenders need a different type of punishment but not humiliation, that we will never really know if it effects them.
Sabrina M.
ReplyDeleteI saw this on Yahoo News today and I thought it was appropriate for this blog. A teen was caught shoplifting in a Halloween store and the owner made him dress up in a Bert (Sesame Street) costume and hold up a sign that said he shoplifted from the store as his punishment. The video comes after the advertisement.
http://news.yahoo.com/video/odd-15749658/22444858#video=22438939
I consider it an "...usual punishment". The 8th Amendment of our Bill of Rights protects us from such punishment. Other than that, I think the punishment is just and fair. To all those in favor of this punishment: Maybe one day your constitutional rights will be taken away from you - see how you like it! Do I think this will deter other criminals? Uhhh, NO! Not everybody embarrasses that easily.
ReplyDeleteCourtney F
ReplyDeleteI don't believe this is enough action to deter them or others from participating in these kinds of acts. It might help some people but I don't think embarrassment is hard enough on some of the people, they may not even care and think it's funny.
In response to Katie H. (online)
ReplyDeleteJennifer Ashley (online)
You brought up many valid points, especially the point about after a few months of holding the signs there will be mostly the same traffic and people will ignore them.
Peggy A:on-line
ReplyDeleteIt seems that the judge in this case was seeking an unconventional or even antiquated way of implementing punishment into the judicial system. And even though it may have worked in the days of the Puritans, I doubt that public shaming will work in our modern-day society. Have you viewed the news recently? Society has reached an all-time-low. There are well-known celebrities, sports figures and politicians that are constantly breaking the criminal and moral law and their careers and bank accounts and fan base remain intact. Maybe the judge in this case is just trying to bring back the days when people did have a sense of shame.
Brian B TTR 6pm
ReplyDeleteI think that using humiliation as a punishment is an excellent alternative to conventional punishment. I think that since some people rely heavily on what society thinks of them, this will serve as a good way for people of the community to be able to associate a face along with the name of the person that committed a crime. I think it is worth a shot especially with the overcrowding of prisons that is occurring. I don't think, however, that this will prove very effective against all criminals. I believe some criminals wouldn't really care, I mean, with some of the crimes that they commit, why would they care to humiliated this way? Inversely I also think that it could potentially bring about more violence as some of the criminals being punished this way may seek some sort of retaliation towards anyone that might have poked fun at them during their sentence.
Anna G.- Online
ReplyDeleteI believe that humiliation will work as a deterrent for other criminals and I think Mr. and Mrs. Mireles's sentence is completely justified! If someone has committed a crime that has affected or could affect the community, why should he/she be entitled to keep his name? Once other criminals see the humiliation of what Mr. and Mrs. Mireles has been through AND their sentence of prison and community service, they will probably think twice before they commit a crime and risk being caught facing a humiliating fate. Once they FINALLY get out of prison, what will the Mireles's have left? Nothing, not even a reputation! When they were stealing from the county, it must have been going through their heads that they would soon have everything they ever desired with spending "their money'. Then, reality sets in and they don't even have a name anymore. Sounds like good enough punishment to me.
Anna G.- Online
ReplyDeleteIn response to Courtenay Seay...
I understand where you are coming from saying that we need to have compassion for people. There are situations where people are sentenced guilty who really aren't guilty or people who commit a crime due to insanity. On the other hand, I will be damned to have compassion for someone who has robbed me blind. For me, there is compassion to a certain limit. I'm not going to have a huge sign in front of the state prison saying "Let them go!" for a thief, murderer, rapist, liar, etc. They should have thought before they acted.
In response to Katie H
ReplyDeletePeggy A:on-line
I agree with your quote: "It is not cruel, but unusual punishment." Despite the efforts of the judge and the court system, the fact is; the criminal justice system is overwhelmed. I worked in the legal field for several years and I have seen the overloaded docket of court cases, the idealistic attorneys who lose faith in the justice system, and the judges who become too harsh or too lenient. Business as usual isn't working; so the concept of "unusual punishment" might be the answer.
It is not cruel punishment, but it is unusual. Its more of a benevolent and unusual punishment. Keeping the couple out of prison teaches them a lesson while not burdening our already overcrowded prison system. As the years go by, the couple start to understand the severity of their crime while having everyone in the community know their crime.
ReplyDeleteI do think it will be a deterrent for criminals in the future because embarrassment is a great deterrent. When the criminals are embarrassed in front of their friends and contemporaries, they lose face and will not do what will lead to the embarrassment.
Ayanda B.Online said
ReplyDeleteI am a Criminal Justice student and do believe that the sentence handed down was fair. Any time a person is given an alternative sentence other than incarceration it is a win win. Daniel Mireles was was given a position of public trust in which he violated his oath of office. He should be held liable for his actions just like any ordinary citizen.
I agree, he violated a public office so his punishment should be public as well. They put their trust into him and he should have to be on the street corner for the same amount of time as he was in office.
Jennifer Ashley (online)
ReplyDeleteI think it is a joke of a sentence. The criminal mind is willing to take a chance of going to jail, giving up her/his freedom, to steal money. That kind of risk taker will absolutely be willing to take the chance of reduced time and embarrassment and just continue to break the law.
It is not a cruel punishment. Who would not want to be mostly free to continue life pretty much the same rather than radically different by spending 10 whole years behind bars? They will get to be with family, friends, celebrate holidays with loved ones etc.
It is unusual in that we rarely see punishments like this.
In response to Chelsea J.
ReplyDeleteI agree it is most definately a "lack of respect for the laws that are in place" and it is a joke. They will have the rest of their lives to spend in humiliation with a felony on their record.
I am stunned by what that professor did to you. I truly empathise.
Amanda O Online
ReplyDeleteI don't feel their sentence will be a deterrent to others. I think they got off fairly light. If you read the entire article it says that they have to spend one month every year for 6 years behind bars, have to pay the money back and then do 5 hours on a Saturday or Sunday holding up the signs for 6 years. Instead of spending up to 10 years in jail they get to be free and only have 5 hours every weekend taken to "humiliate" them. If they had to choose between the two - I guarantee you they would choose the sentence they have over the extended jail time. I don't think people will care about them holding up signs after the first couple of weekends since the newness of it will have worn off by then. For that matter, I don't think the couple will feel ashamed after the first couple weekends either. They will get used to being out there and learn to block everyone out or worse, they will become more brazen and defiant by feeling this was unfair and closing down to what other people think about them.
LeQuise C.-Online
ReplyDeleteI don't think the punishment of making them hold a sign is going to make a difference, because people who do wrong know what their consequences could be and they do it anyway. I don't feel that they need to be humiliated by holding a sign because I think thats a "power trip" for the judge and is really not necessary. The judge who handed down the sentence dosen't make me feel at ease either, because if he feels that humiliation is a way to deter criminals from crime, that theory has long proved to be untrue. Do what is necessary and keep your personal beliefs and humiliations to yourself.
LeQuise C. -Online
ReplyDeleteCommenting on Sabrina M.
I think they should have gotten a longer sentence and having him humiliated was a waste of time. I think them being in jail having their freedom taken away and sitting in jail not being able to do what they want to was humiliation enough.
LeQuise C. -Online
ReplyDeleteIn response to a comment from Anonymous,
I agree who is actually going to make sure that he holds the sign up every saturday for 6 years? Is his P.O. going to be out there with him? Too much for this crime, a pedophile I feel would be more neccessary to hold a sign versus a thief.
Amanda O Online in response to Zach Bragg tues/thurs 6-8pm
ReplyDelete"This sort of punishment is ridiculous and child like. The man and his two helpers payed over $200,000 of the money back served jail time and had to do community service. With this sort of crime holding a sign on a street corner doesnt mean anything. What they had to pay back and serve is more than enough"
I have to disagree that what they had to pay back and serve is more than enough. Of course they should have to pay back what they stole but one month a year for 6 years in jail is enough time for embezzling from a victim's fund? No way. They were lucky. Now, my husband thinks they should be in stocks too but he is and has been law enforcement for 17 years so he has seen more than we have. He disagrees with me and thinks it could work as a deterrent since articles come and go but their being on a corner for so long will keep their crime fresh in people's minds. That and they weren't brazen enough to break into someone's home - they embezzled money from work. I have to say he has a point with that but we both agree that the jail time is really light for the crime.
Ashley F.—Online 10/15/10
ReplyDeleteI think the punishment given to Daniel Mireles, his wife, and his accomplice was completely justified. There is an old saying, “Once a thief, always a thief.” I am personally a firm believer in that. Criminals that are convicted of theft very rarely learn their lesson strictly from a fine, or jail time. I think they completely deserve to be humiliated in front of their fellow community. By forcing them to standing in front of their home admitting what they did for all to see will make them think every day about the act of selfishness they committed. They stole from crime victims, how low and selfish can you possibly get? It is no different than some states making DUI felons wear a sign on their car saying they were convicted of drinking and driving. I guarantee every time they get behind the wheel of their car they think twice if they have had a drop to drink. This country has gotten so pathetic over the years, we are so worried about ‘hurting feelings’, or embarrassing people. They deserve to be embarrassed. I think this will most certainly deter other criminals from stealing. The current punishments we are enforcing aren’t working, thieves get to sit in jail, have 3 hot meals a day, television, and outdoor time. Not a bad life? I hope to see more punishment of this nature in our country because something has to give.
Ashley F.—Online
ReplyDeleteIn response to Ayanda B.
I couldn’t agree more! He held a public position, so this punishment is completely just and fair. When he held that position he was looked up upon, only to fool those people who instilled so much trust in him. He embarrassed those who had faith in him, why should he be humiliated for his actions?
In response to Chelsea J.-Online
ReplyDeleteJennifer Ashley (online)
I'm sorry that happened to you that way and that you felt you needed to drop the class. The teacher is probably right though. Some people just have a prejudice against others with tattoos. My grandfather had one so to me they are no big deal. But anyway, they are your tattoos, wear them with pride!!! Good luck in everything you do!
Lynn - online
ReplyDeleteI think using “shame” punishment will deter crime. I think that if a criminal feels that they “got away” with a crime they, as well as their cohorts, are more likely to commit more crimes. I however feel that a six year sentence is very excessive. Maybe more research needs to go into which types of “shame” punishments work best and have the most positive effect on society.
Lynn - online
ReplyDeleteIn response to Sabrina -
I disagree with you that the punishment is not fair. In prison they are away from their peers. They probably took the money to impress their peers. A punishment of this kind may lower their self esteem-yes, but maybe it needs lowering a bit. And they may learn an important lesson that they should care more about impressing people with their character, and not with their monetary worth. This is why I think only the lenth of the punishment is excessive because they may "learn their lesson" long before their sentence is served. I also wonder about the effect it will have on their children over such a time period.
LaVette McDowell-Online
ReplyDeleteIn response to Robert P-Online
I agree with you Robert. How could this be a cruel punishment? How could this punishment even be questioned? Crimes wil continue and have continued even when the criminal is punished. Crimes have been committed over and over after an individual has been punished with a higher degree of punishment. So they punishment these people were given is a cake walk, but I hope that they have learned their lesson from this.
Beth M.-Online
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, I think this type of sentencing could work in certain situations, depending on the type of crime and if the criminal had no prior record. I don't believe this is cruel punishment; however unusual, yes. That makes me believe that the "unusual" part gives a shock value that some criminals or potential criminals need. It's shocking to me that a "county employee" would steal from the "crime victim's fund" and beg for a judge to go easy on them. They virtually stole from every citizen in their county that donated to that fund. It wouldn't seem fair for the citizens of Harris County to pay the cost of incarcerating (up to 10 years) these individuals that already took $250,000.00 from the county, would it?
Sharon W. Online
ReplyDeleteSabrina M, I disagree with you. This maybe an
unusual punishment, but not a cruel one. A matter of fact, this punishment is an easy punishment that will not fear other criminal from thieving. It is obvious that criminals do
not have self-esteem, therefore this type of punishment will encourage them to commit more crimes.
Beth M.-Online
ReplyDeleteIn response to LeQuise C.
I disagree with you as to these individuals in this article, it could make a major impact. How much is your freedom worth to you? This could have been a plea deal in order not to spend a possible ten years in jail; a possible loss of time with children, family, home, etc.
We don't know the entire case and have been given just a scratch in the surface so to speak. Therefore, I don't understand your judgment on Judge Kent, how you arrive that it's a "power trip." Remember, the majority of citizens in that county voted and elected this judge. Note, counties have local rules wherein they can implement punishments such as this, just as they can implement certain laws such as: leash laws, curfews, etc.
In this instance, to me, there isn't enough humiliation, which is punishment, in the world to justify what these people did. Again, they stole from victims and citizens in their own county!
Juliana W.
ReplyDeleteI don’t know about other people, but that would deter me from stealing. If their only punishment was having to hold the signs, criminals might be encouraged to risk stealing. But, since they also have to pay the money back and serve time in jail, that should keep people from thinking they got off easy.
I thought this punishment was a bit cruel until I read an article from before they were sentenced. The article said Eloise Mireles could be charged a maximum of 99 years in prison, and her husband a maximum of 20 years! I bet then that they’re pretty relieved with what they got.
The only problem I have with the sentence is that the article stated they have to serve jail time one month every year, for six years, for a total of six months. If they have to hold those signs every weekend, and serve jail time every year, how are they going to get jobs? I don’t know who would want to hire them anyway, but this will just make it worse. I don’t see how they can pay back all that money.
Olugbenga A.-Online.
ReplyDeleteIn responding to Ashley F. comment.I think she made good points.These people deserve these punishments.It will serve as lessons for people that hold a positions and stealing money from the populace.This kind of humillation will teach some a lession.
I do not believe that this punishment would be a deterrent for other criminals. i feel that if someone is going to commit a crime they are going to do it know matter what the punishment could be. I think that standing outside of your house with a sign stating that you stole money is a good idea but that could also be used for other crimes. Im sure that the guy would never do it again after what his punishment required.
ReplyDeleteAshley T.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that this punishment would be a deterrent for other criminals. i feel that if someone is going to commit a crime they are going to do it know matter what the punishment could be. I think that standing outside of your house with a sign stating that you stole money is a good idea but that could also be used for other crimes. Im sure that the guy would never do it again after what his punishment required.
Sorry I forgot to put my name.
Chelsea Bush
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great way to deter other criminals from stealing. Although the humiliation of standing in public with a sign exposing your crimes may keep some criminals (especially those with a reputation or career to uphold, like Mireles) from commiting these offenses. It seems to me that holding a sign would be much better than being in prison. In sum I don't think there is anything inhumane about forcing a convicted criminal to publicly take responsibility for their actions. In this case it is also a fitting punishment because Mireles stole from the people of Harris, TX and they need to know to be aware of their government.
Lauren G.-Online
ReplyDeleteIf I were the Mireleses I would be too embarrassed to do anything close to what they had done ever again. I think that the punishment that they received was extremely fair. Not only does this punishment embarrass them, it will remind them every weekend that what they had done and that it was wrong. I believe that the punishment they received was cruel and unusual punishment, because it shows in literal written word that they are, in fact, thieves. I also believe that there is a good chance that this sentence will work as a deterrent for other criminals, because no one likes to be revealed on who they really are, and in this case, the criminals will think twice about what they do. I do think that six years is a long time for that punishment, but the alternative would be many years in prison, and prison is a terrible place to stay.
In response to Julianna W:
I would have to agree that if I were the sentence would definitely deter me from stealing. I would not want to go through carrying a sign for six years that said I was a thief and told what I had done. I also would not have to serve jail time one month every year AND pay all the money back. These punishments would make me think twice before I did anything. I also agree that they got of fairly easy. I would rather take the sentence than serve 99 years in prison.
I believe it was a fair punishment! They will be so emarrassed and humiliated that I doubt they will ever steal again. I also believe they deserve a substantial amount of time in jail for what they have done. Every time a person passes them reading that sign they need to think about all the victums that money was supposed to help! I don't know if it will be a detterent to other criminals, but I hope it taught them a lesson. I think they should sentence more people like this but for more serious crimes like rapests or murders!
ReplyDeleteJessica V. Online
Ronesia I.Online I believe that they got what they deserved. With any crime comes consequences. Being that he worked for the county his standards should have been a little higher than others. Holding a sign is actually a small slap on the wrist. However, the humiliation will be enough to learn their lesson. I know they both will think twice before stealing anything else. Other criminals will definitely deter fom convicting a crime. I also believe some criminals will see these people holding the signs and find it amusing and take it as a joke.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Amanda B.Online
ReplyDeleteI agree with you they did violate public trust and it needs to be brought out in the public! I really got off easy beause they work for the county and that makes it more of a serious crime especially stealing from the county.
Jessica V. online
Ronesia I.-Online
ReplyDeleteIn resonse to Beth M.
I have to agree with you by saying this sentence is not cruel but very unusual. How many people do we see holding signs for comitting a crime? Not very many. I also agree that this sentence was very light compared to what they could have gotten. It's sad that people will still from their own:(
Ronesia I.-Online
ReplyDeleteIn response to Denise Miller
At the end of the day we are all human and need compassion. Lack of compassion for the people already incarcerated may be a reason for them becoming repeat offenders.
Andrew G. Online
ReplyDeletePersonally, I don't think this will really serve as a deterrent to future criminals, though I don't think it's a cruel and unusual punishment either. I think it's a very fitting punishment, in fact. Fines, probation, prison time...these are all supposed to be deterrents of criminals too, however crimes still run rampant all over the world. So even though it's more or less impossible to fully "deter" crime from happening, that doesn't take away from the fact that criminals should be punished, and I think this is an excellent way. What I don't understand is how it's not more common, especially for groups such as sex offenders.
In response to Ronesia's comment to Denise, I'm going to have to disagree. I think someone is a repeat offender because that crime is an urge that's instilled deep within their personality. I can almost guarantee that we could show all the compassion to someone in that category, and if they're meant to commit again, then they will. It's the same as sex offenders...regardless of the time they served or the treatment they received, 99% of the time they enter back into the world with urges stronger than before. For some crimes, I think the only option would be life in prison; otherwise, you're just entering into a waiting game of when it'll happen again.
Deborah G. Online
ReplyDeleteIm glad justice was served by them paying and going to jail but what is it really going to solve by forcing someone to hold a sign saying that they stole? Embarassing them and having them pay each day is not right. If they went to jail and served thier time then they should have a right to put it behind them and more forward, not constanly be standing and holding a sign so they cannot move on.
Deborah G. Online in Response to Jessica V.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that justice should be served and that they should learn thier lesson, but i do not think it will do any good them standing and holding up thier crime for everyone to see. There has to be some point where they can move on.
Donnie F.
ReplyDeleteOkay, it's just funny. Public Humiliation; Not many things are more embarrassing than that. I couldn't stand the public shame that would be brought on by holding a sign for every one to see.
But...
Come on!! That's $250,000 dollars. He should be punished just as any one else who has stolen that kind of money has. Maybe it's because he worked for the county that he got off like he did. I really don't see how it's fair and equal punishment.
Linda M. Online
ReplyDeleteI think these people had already paid their debt to society. With paying back the money,jail time and community serivce. The signs were very much over the top. Signs or not if someone is determine to commit a crime than carrying a sign will not be a deterrent.
Linda M. Online
ReplyDeleteIn response to Kourtney C. online
I'm with you on hardworkers having to pay for people in jail, but a crime is a crime. Everyone can't be given a second chance.
Garrett M. Online
ReplyDeleteThe sign just seems pointless to me. Anyone who is planning on stealing that much money, or doing a crime similar to that obviously knows their are significant consequences. They know they could go to jail for a long time. Why would they see these people holding a sign and all of a sudden be deterred from committing a crime?
Kristien S. Online
ReplyDeleteI feel the punishment fits the crime. This is money intended to assist victims of crime, and by the actions of these two county employees the victims have been victimized again! Only this time, not only are they victims, but so are the tax payers of Harris county.
When you are given a position in public service you are also given the trust of the people, to violate that trust shows a clear lack of concern for others, and you obviously should not be in that position. You must be held accountable for your actions, that needs to a lesson everyone understands. There is no gray area, they willingly stole money from two groups of people.
Garrett M. Online
ReplyDeleteIn response to Sabrina M.
I agree that they should have had more jail time. But i don't know if I would consider the sign as cruel and unusual punishment. I would much rather hold the sign up than go to jail, pay money, or do community service. But, i was thinking of the sign as being more of a deterrent for others, i didn't really think of it as a punishment of embarrassment. I guess that would be pretty embarrassing, but I don't know if embarrassment would really help too much in crime deterrent.
Kristien S Online in response to cdee
ReplyDeleteI ask you, where was their compassion to the people of Harris county and the victims the money was intended for? What compassion do thieves deserve? Would it be better they spend long sentences in prison, contributing to overcrowding and further draining county resources? At least in this manner, they can live some sort of normal life and provide for themselves and their family, which is more than a fair punishment. While displaying to everyone the error of their ways.
In response to Denise Miller Online
In the article, the public prosecutor says he will drive by there on the weekends to make sure the sentence is being served. I'm also sure the people of the county are aware of the punishment and will see it's enforced.
Kristien S. Online in response to Garret M. Online
ReplyDeleteThey did have to pay back the money, serve jail time, community service, AND hold the sign. The jail sentence was just reduced. Both will serve 180 days a month at at time for six years.
Steven Thompson- Online
ReplyDeleteThis punishment was definitely unnecessary for the crime they committed. They already had to serve jail time and pay the money back why wouldn't that be enough. Even though they had to hold signs up some people don't get embarrassed by this at all so it would be more of a time waster than an actual punishment.
Steven Thompson - Online
ReplyDeleteIn response to Garrett M.
I agree that holding up a sign is practically pointless to someone who commits a pretty severe crime. If people knew that their punishment for a crime would be holding an embarrassing sign there would be a lot more crime committed.
Kaila C. Online
ReplyDeleteI believe that this type of punishment would be effective for a little while but I don't believe that it is enough punishment for what they did. I think it will be effective in the beginning just for the simple fact of the criminals being humiliated. My next question would be who would monitor that this sentence is carried out? Because when you are convicted you have to serve your time whether it be 6 years or 10. There is no way of them knowing if they are really doing it. I don't think this deterrent will be effective in future theft because everyone criminal thinks they can get off just as easily as these two did 180 days that is ludicrous.
Kaila C. In response to Ronesia L.
ReplyDeleteHow can 180 days suffice as enough jail time? They stole $250,000 from a government agency. I bet if they robbed a bank they would be taking that walk down the road for 10 years.
Will this type of legal punishment stop other criminals from committing, no!This is only public humiliation. In fact they are actually getting off easy because they have an option in the matter, and that's to either serve jail time or this. A consequence is a consequence no matter what is set. When people do bad things they are very much so aware that there will be a bad outcome and know that they will have to suffer the consequences, and crime in the worl has not ceased yet. Will this form of punishment stop others no, however it may make these people regret what they did, or more so that they got caught.
ReplyDeleteAnita D. Online
ReplyDeleteWill this type of legal punishment stop other criminals from committing, no!This is only public humiliation. In fact they are actually getting off easy because they have an option in the matter, and that's to either serve jail time or this. A consequence is a consequence no matter what is set. When people do bad things they are very much so aware that there will be a bad outcome and know that they will have to suffer the consequences, and crime in the worl has not ceased yet. Will this form of punishment stop others no, however it may make these people regret what they did, or more so that they got caught.
Anita D. Online
ReplyDeleteIn Response to Linda M.
I agree these people did receive what was due to them as punishment. Jail time, community service, and to pay the money back in full to top it off with humiliation seems like its just a joke. However if the humiliation was set in place of one of the main punishments like paying the money back or community servicy that would be debatable because at that point they would be getting off to easy.
After reading this story I feel that the sentece he got was fair, but he should had to stand in front of his work place instead of his home and the sighn should of said "I am a thief who stole money from this organization because I dont care about victim's". I also feel that he should have to work for free in that organization for the two years and listen to people when they are having a problem. It's nice to know that he was caught and he beeing punished, but i think emmbarissing him in public is the best thing for him now everyone knows what kind of human being he is and maybe he will think twice nexttime beor he steels.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this blog if people are only going to get to were a sighn for steeling its invite to tell people that this all thats going to happen to you in life
ReplyDeleteEbony Thornton Online:
ReplyDeleteI don't think it will fully stop anyone from committing that crime again. Those people maybe. But people who have not been caught feel like they are invincible and will never get caught because they aren't gonna do exactly what they did. So no I dont think this type of punishment will stop them. I do think it is kind of out there but I do think it will be affected for the people already convicted of the crime.
In response Ayanda B Online: Justice had to be served but they can't expect this to work for everyone.
~ Katie H. -(Online) in response to Kristyn B. -(Online) ~
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I think that the punishment they recieved was very lenient and is not going to solve anything. Whats to say these people are going to even feel humiliated? I think they will be happy they got off so easy and their punishment is a waste of time they could be using to better the community.
Kenyetta C-Online
ReplyDeleteI do not believe this punishment is cruel or unusual. The more embarrassing the punishment the less likely this will be repeated. For sexual predators they are required to register first and last name where this information is public knowledge for the entire world. When in the same circumstance the thieves will think twice about stealing when they recall the embarrassment they had to endure. They were required to serve time pay the money back and put themselves on public blast. I think this punishment fits the crime and usually thieves don’t want to be caught so the humiliation is an added bonus.
JULIAN .E. – Online
ReplyDeleteI don’t think the punishment is cruel. They deserved the punishment they were given, because they violet the trust of the society and the magnitude of their violation are being measured by the seriousness with which the society treat the offense. Seeing these people been punished can create in people a sense of association between punishment and act that they may constrain them even when they are sure they will not get caught.
Kenyetta C response to Anita D.
ReplyDeleteWell stated however they did not have a "choice". They served time paid the fine and had to stand out with the sign. I believe this was a way to think outside of the box to attempt to make and others think twice about this crime. Not saying it will stop all thieves but may stop a few.
Jonathan P online:
ReplyDeleteThis is ridiculous! This reminds me of "The Scarlet Letter"! These people are not animals. Yes, they might be criminals but they are still human beings! Both of these people have to serve 180 days in jail over a six year period? Spreading the punishment does what? They are already paying the money back and yes they deserved jail time. But spreading it over six years is as ridiculous as holding the sign six hours every Saturday and Sunday. Do these people have kids? Think of what this is going to do to them! I understand being harsh but spreading the punishment out in the long term is going to ruin there families life.
They did not commit a crime! Humility over a short span is a understandable but spreading it across six years is too much!
In response to Kristen Online-
Punishment fits the crime? Really?!
So every criminal should now stand on a busy intersection and make it say there crime? Why should a thief be put on a corner but not people convicted of domestic violence or child molestors or any other crime. It makes zero sense. This judge should be reprimanded and suspended. This punishment is a joke! Oh yea read the constitution! First Amendment!
Chelsi K - Online
ReplyDeleteWhat they did is a horrible thing. They should not have done what they did, however, having them stand out with a sign is a bit ridiculous. Everyone deserves a second chance. It's also not as if they murdered someone. They stole money and then they did their time and also paid most of it back. It is not exactly cruel and unusual punishment but it is a bit ridiculous.
Chelsi K. response to Julian E. - Online
ReplyDeleteYou must not believe in second chances. I think that if they had done something worse then stealing money and hadn't done their time and hadn't realized they're mistake, then yes, what they are having to do is okay and they deserve it.
Response to Ayanda B.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with Ayanda about the comments made. This person was trusted and held to a higher respect than others. This person failed to comply with the wishes of society and the rules.
Teresia K. Online
ReplyDeleteTheir act definately deserves punishment however,putting them into the spot of standing outside with their names on the board is abit going too far and i dont think this kind of legal sentence will not work as a deterrent for other criminals. It is a cruel and unusual punishment.
Teresia K. In response to Juliet E.
ReplyDeleteI do believe the punishment is cruel and unusual.Since they agreed to pay off the cash that they had stolen and served imprisonment, then, not unless they refuse to clear the punishment, that should be enough punistment. They did not Kill anyone.
David F. Online
ReplyDeleteI don't believe the punishment was cruel and unusual. I think that when government officials break the law that they should be forced to serve this type of exact punishment. But I don't believe this type of punishment could serve to fit all crime. I just think that it serves as good punishment for this specific type of crime. This type of a punishment would definitely make people think twice when committing a crime while serving as any type of state or government official.
David F. Online.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Amanda C.
I disagree with Amanda I don't that tehis was cruel and unusual punishment. And do think it will serve as a deterent for some criminal. But I also agree with Amanda, when she stated that some people will do anything to get money.
Christopher P.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think it’s a cruel way to punish someone but I do think it’s unnecessary. They should just be put in prison for however long the crime dictates. I think that the punishment is too easy; they got a slap on the wrist. Prison would have been a harsher punishment. I don’t think it will stop people from committing these types of crimes.
Daria Glukhikh - Online
ReplyDeleteAt first, I thought it was cruel and unnecessary. It targets these people only, and not the other criminals.
But on the other hand, It's a good example for everyone who drove by, of what you should not do, in order to escape this shameful punishment.
Finally, I came to a conclusion, that it's a good way to punish them, so the same people would never commit this crime again.
Daria Glukhikh - Online
ReplyDeletein responce to Ayanda B.Online
I completly agree with Ayanda.
The punishment was deserved by these people.
They were truted and still commited such a huge crime. It's unexcusable.
Timmy T.
ReplyDeleteThis punishment is completely not deserving. Everyone is completely equal in some sense. And they already served their time in a prison and community service so why cause humiliation upon them? That's completely childish. Humiliation is a childish thing and by when everyone is an adult you should learn by now that it doesn't matter if something is "humiliating". Holding a sign, or relating to "Scarlet Letter", is completely childish.
Chase B.
ReplyDeleteTimmy, i would like to ask why its childish?
Not only is this a life lesson for the man but he will then be marked by the community. he stole money, he is a thief, therefore everyone should know to lock there doors and keep the possessions safe. This man will probably never steal again or even be given the chance to when he walks into a gas station or walmart solely becuase he himself had to say "im a thief, watch me" in my honest opinion the community is a tad bit safer now.
Nathan Fawcett
ReplyDeleteI believe that the sign is justified. If there is some sort of embarrassment factor added to jail times and fines, I think that it is possible that people will be a little less likely to do such things.
Andrew Wiles (crn#20199)
ReplyDeleteThe state sentenced the two criminals to hold a sign that says “I am a thief. I stole $250,000 from a Harris County crime victim’s fund.” They are also both required to sign their first and last names to the sign. I don’t consider this to be cruel. Unusual? Yes. This may be embarrassing to do, but it is extremely weak as a punishment. Obviously no one wants to hold a sign like that, especially with their first and last name posted as well; however, this is designed for pure embarrassment. Personally, I think this is completely pointless and overall, just plain stupid. I am not surprised at all though. It seems like something our retarded justice system would do. This would not serve as an effective deterrent to any kind of criminal. Holding a sign like that would be the least of their worries.
Brian F. Online
ReplyDeleteI think this is a unique and effective form of punishment, though I don't see it as enough personally. This is in no way cruel to me, maybe unusual, but public humiliation is a good source of hitting someones ego. True enough, not everyone has an "ego" that they worry about, but I feel that the majority of people will feel public humiliation as a major disgrace and deterrent for future criminals. Someone who abuses powers that they are trusted with and empowered with deserve to me upmost punishment.
Brian F. Onlind
ReplyDeleteIn Response To David F.
I agree 100% with what you said and especially the fact that this type of sunishment doesn't fit all criminals, but rather this specific instance or type of crime. Yes, it is a little controversial to say your this type of criminal and you deserve this type of punishment, but hey if the shoe fits. lol. I mean laws are kinda set towards per crime punishment. Well put comment though.
Natashia D. Online
ReplyDeleteNot only do I agree with the punishment given to these folks, I think it's quite hilarious. I do believe that this is an effective payment for crimes commited. I believe the embarassment of having to hold a sign up confessing that you are a thief would be considered just as dreadful as the other forms of punishment that were served. I believe that these people will forever be remembered in their society and the shame of this crime may even push them to move to a totally different location. The fact that they stole from a victim's fund makes it that much more terrible.
Natashia F. Online
ReplyDelete***IN RESPONSE TO TERESIA
I'm not sure why this would be considered cruel, may be a little unusual... I think it's great! You stated at the end of your blog, "It's not like they KILLED anyone!"... You are absolutely right. They just stole from a group of people who have been nearly killed. They are victims of unknown crimes. Who knows what they have been through. This fund was set up to help them make it past a difficult period in their life, as they are well deserving. Because of selfish people like this, those people suffer. I don't agree with You!
I love this! I think humiliation is a great consequence to have to suffer if you commit a non-violent crime. I don't think at all that this will deter criminals from commiting a crime...not at all. I do though, think that the person who receives this punishment would think twice about doing it again. Image is SO important to people and when you have to announce to the world that you are a "screw-up" I think how people perceive you would encourage you not to do it again. I work in retail and have seen a mother do this to her teenager. It was GREAT. He was mortified that he had to walk around Gwinnett Place Mall with a sign on that said "I stole from ...". I know he HATED his mom that night, but I'm pretty sure he never stole again. I am against jail for a crime like this, but humiliation...PERFECT!!!
ReplyDeleteMaureen O. online
ReplyDeleteThe public had trusted them and they disappointted the public by stealing the public fund. I personally did not see any thing wrong with the punishment they got. Off course it is humiliatting for them to write their names on the board saying they are thieves, but what else do they deserve. They must be accountable for their actions.
LuShawna G-online
ReplyDeleteI don't see anything wrong with the punishment they received. Just the humiliation alone can deter some from doing the same or other crimes. Just the thought of my friends or family seeing me holding a sign with the crime I committed is more then enough for me. This should be a punishment I feel that alot of states should take on depended upon the crime that is committed of course.
LuShawna G-Online
ReplyDeleteIn response to Heather
I agree with you that image is everything. As far as this being used for non-violent crimes, I don't agree that it should be used for ALL. The chances of something like this humiliating people committing certain crimes is slim, in my opinion. The situation with the teenager yes that was perfect.
Regina H-Online
ReplyDeleteThat type of punishment would only work on the younger sector of the population to boot the punishment can not become a commonality. I was taught not to do anything that would shame me in the morning and that has kept me focused some what so far in life. If people were publicly held responsible for their actions such as the famous maybe the society as a whole would improve. Just keep in mind that like the famous there are those who do not mind being the face for those who are lost and confused.
Regina H-Online
ReplyDeleteIn response to Maureen O.
I agree with you that the humiliation is not the only deterent. The fact that the money have to be replaced, community service- I would have them speak to the youth about their mistake and all they have lost-, and jail time fit the crime. Personalizing the crimes with the appropiate penalties, I believe this punishment would be effective. As many has stated people value their reputation and public perception.
ReginaH-Online
ReplyDeleteIn response to Jonathan P:
They did commit a crime and spreading it out overtime is viable so the perps are able to pay the money back. No one has any idea the amount of lives touched by the stealing of this money. Evceryone is looking at the criminals like they need this and woe is the strife they have to go through in the sakeof redemption but what about they people wholost there money and were never saved. Their lives may have been ruined by the crime and money now may not solve the problems created.
Donald W. Online
ReplyDeleteSometimes humiliation works but sometimes it doesn't. I am amazed that they were able to pay the money back at all because most people that steal, take money that they don't have. This tells me that they were just greedy and didn't really need the money. So in this case I don't think it's going to change them at all.
Madeline Cook
ReplyDeleteSometimes humilation is a good tactic to use when prtoving a point but it doesn't always work. I think that there are many degrees of humiliation type punishment and it just depends on the type of person and type of crime you are dealing with on whether or not some benefit is achieved by the person who is trying to learn a lesson based on the crime they have commited.
In the above specific case, I am not sure if the punishment was appropriate or just a slap on the wrist. Depending on how involved in the community these criminals were previously to the crime would show if this punishment was suitable or not because based on this other parts of their daily lives could be affected (not being allowed into certain places, shunned by their church community, etc) all based on their public acknowledgement of committing a crime. In a town were things are busy and no one really pays attention to what others are doing the punishment feels useless and a waste of time.
Angela R.
ReplyDeleteI think that humiliation such as this will only bring about more crime. Doing this just is cruel and unusual punishment and will only make the criminal more angry at "the system". We should not have to prove a point using criminals in public, when everyone already knows that its wrong to commit a crime.
Emma A.
ReplyDeleteI saw the guy on tv with a sign saying I am a theif. It serves him right next time he will think twice before he steel someone's property. Punishment like that is very appropriate and it will deter other people to think twice when they are about to commit a crime.
Maureen O. Online
ReplyDeleteIn response to Regina H.
I completely agree with you, It would have been a better punishment on the younger generation but for this man he deserve a much more punishment.