Question

“The convict is the product of the society he lived in, both, in terms of the suffering that led him to steal one loaf of bread, as well as the excessive sentence he received as punishment for his “crime”. He was imprisoned for stealing money to buy food for his sick wife, this filled him with despair, hopelessness, bitterness and anger at the injustice of it all.” Do you think justice was meted out to the convict? If Yes/ No, give reasons. If you were in place of the judge what steps would you have taken to reform the convict and why? Give reasons. What values would you focus on?

Answer 1

In arresting and sentencing the convict for ten years harsh imprisonment for ten years, just for stealing a loaf of bread for his sick wife was quite unjustified. It was mockery of justice. The judge must have looked into the motive and rationale behind the theft. Both proved the convict was innocent. The government at that time had failed to provide food security to the people of France. The prices of bread had soared beyond the reach and affordability of common people. The unemployment was widespread. In such conditions, he was compelled to steal bread for his ill and starving wife.

If I were the judge, I would have looked into these factors, and just pardoned and acquitted him with admonishment. I would, as a judge practice and observe the values of compassion, sympathy, forbearance, and kindness.