OP
Meh. Goodnight 
Teen burns down school; forced to pay full cost of repair
- Thread starter jonnythan
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You're pretty worked up, I hope you can get to sleep...
Sweet dreams!!!
Sweet dreams!!!
glbirch
Contributor
jonnythan:
Uh, what I get from the article is that they broke into a fenced off area of the locker room inside the school. Didn't say anywhere that it was a separate building, unless you are reading a different article?
OP
glbirch:
I live near the high school, I've seen it a few times
Scubaroo
Contributor
Surely that penalty would go to appeal? Would the judge have anticipated that, and imposed the repayment stipulation more as a deterrant to other "drunken students", knowing that the 18yo in this case would never end up having to pay it?
We've had at least five schools burned down in Melbourne in the last week or two, I don't think they've caught the arsonist yet.
We've had at least five schools burned down in Melbourne in the last week or two, I don't think they've caught the arsonist yet.
hantzu701
Contributor
Why are u guys re-hashing the case?
This kid had a lawyer who defended him as best as he was able. The judge had all the facts. If the lawyer didn't do his job or if the judge made a mistake in his judgement, then the case will be heard on appeal.
If the kid isn't able to take responsibilty for his crime, then perhaps he should have thought about that before he burned down the school.
This kid had a lawyer who defended him as best as he was able. The judge had all the facts. If the lawyer didn't do his job or if the judge made a mistake in his judgement, then the case will be heard on appeal.
If the kid isn't able to take responsibilty for his crime, then perhaps he should have thought about that before he burned down the school.
glbirch
Contributor
jonnythan:I live near the high school, I've seen it a few times
Then you have the advantage, as I can only go by the information in the article that you referenced.
Regardless, IMO it is cavalier to suggest that any fire is without danger. An acquantance had a kitchen grease fire, and a moment's poor decision turned a minor problem into life threatening injuries and a major house fire. Any open flame should be given respect.
Having been brought up in an area of the UK with a fairly high crime rate and subsequently living in two countries where crime rates are much lower, i know where i prefer to live. I do believe that Very strong penalties for even minor crimes results in a safer environment all round. You inflict a stiff penalty and social stigma for a minor crime like shoplifting means people dont start out with minor offences and work there way up. Of course it doesnt stop every one. A few years ago just before i first came to singapore there was an outcry over an american youth who vandalised a parked car. I seem to recall he was given a couple of beatings with the cane as well as being deported. There were a lot of complaints about this being barbaric. However how many of you have returned to oyur cars and found them damaged, or had to think twice beofre parking in a dimly lit area. I park my car anywhere its legal, and never hide anything in the boot except obvious valuables. Draconian as the Singapore system sometimes seems it works and maybe the judge you are questioning is sending out the right message for society, or maybe he isnt strong enough BRING OUT THE CANE
glbirch
Contributor
Albion:
I followed that case. I thought it was great. Really brought home the point that if you are in someone elses country you are playing by their rules. The crime was clear, and the punishment straightforward.
That this was a state Supreme Court judge. There is only one level to appeal beyond that, so appeals may not apply here.
