Wrong approach to the crime issue?
 

Hi everybody,

I had originally posted about this in the "take it outside" area of the site but not much feedback - really wanted to see what other people think, as personally I am quite concerned by the idea.

Theres a new site in the UK that names and shames criminals, if you google the rat book you will find it. There was an article about it on The Register over the weekend and they raised the point of the whole vigilante threat that a site like this poses. Im not a criminal myself so nothing to worry about "in theory"..but still what if they get something wrong? And what about the risk to people who have done their time?

Is there anything like this over in Australia at all?

All the best,

Jimmy

Re: Wrong approach to the crime issue?
 

No, no website to name criminals, though in WA, offenders doing community service have started wearing bright flak jackets. I think this is a good idea, they need to feel a bit of shame.

Re: Wrong approach to the crime issue?
 

I think it's a great idea :eek:

Criminals and scumbags who bring misery and suffering on the innocent should be named and shamed :thumbsup:

Re: Wrong approach to the crime issue?
 

Are you on it?

Re: Wrong approach to the crime issue?
 

That is the only problem. Otherwise, just shoot 'em...

Unfortunately though, mistakes happen...

Re: Wrong approach to the crime issue?
 

Not yet :thumbsup:

:fingerscrossed: Ahem ;)

Re: Wrong approach to the crime issue?
 

When names of paedophiles have got out, vigilantes have taken 'justice' upon themselves and often have got the wrong person. Whilst courts and police make mistakes, I don't like the idea of joe bloggs being able to hand out 'justice'. Makes them as bad as the bad guy.

Not giving Joe Bloggs a hard time, just using his name as an example ;)

Re: Wrong approach to the crime issue?
 

Poor Joe Bloggs really gets a workout doesn't he. I hope there isn't someone actually called Joe Bloggs though.

Re: Wrong approach to the crime issue?
 

I agree, its wrong to encourage the vigilante culture because of those times the wrong person gets vilified. Look at the paediatrician that was driven from her home because a bunch of idiots couldn't tell the difference between paediatrician and paedophile. And what about the families of the paedophiles - don't THEY have any rights? Why should they have a howling mob outside their front door because of something a relative did?

Re: Wrong approach to the crime issue?
 

Yes often people involved in lynch mobs are not the most intelligent people in the world and end up attacking the wrong person.:ohmy:

Re: Wrong approach to the crime issue?
 

See you've turned into a bit of a pussycat there Penny

Re: Wrong approach to the crime issue?
 

I was an another board recently when a discussion similar to this came up. I googled 'mistaken paedophile killed' or similar. It's amazing how many of these cases that there are, and how sadistic and brutal the manner of their demise usually is.
It's also notable that none of the attackers had any links to anyone who might have been abused, they were just some baying mob-hounds looking for I don't know what.

That website is bad news in so many ways - as mentioned, what about families, children of the accused etc.
Also why do we bother having prison sentences or whatever, if that isn't punishment enough for their crimes?

Re: Wrong approach to the crime issue?
 

In most cases, punishment, or prison sentences as they're laughingly called, aren't enough. The only way to protect these scumbags from the public is to lock them up for life (in the case of paedos, murderers and other sex offenders). I do feel for their families and do believe they shouldn't be made to suffer for the crime committed by a relative. But I also think that if the crime was committed against one of my relatives (especially my child), then I'm afraid I'm with those who want them dead. If that makes me as bad as them, fine but if the justice system worked properly, there would be no need for vigilanties.

Re: Wrong approach to the crime issue?
 

I agree.

Re: Wrong approach to the crime issue?
 

Well said.