From: Michael S. Lorrey (mike@datamann.com)
Date: Thu Apr 13 2000 - 11:11:47 MDT
Charlie Stross wrote:
> On Wed, Apr 12, 2000 at 03:04:29PM -0400, Michael S. Lorrey wrote:
> >
> > True, but the problem is in getting charges filed. The prosecutors always toss the
> > weapons charges in plea bargaining. This will stop them from doing this. You can't
> > argue with the results of Operation Exile. The judge is still free to determine guilt
> > or innocence... so his hands aren't totally tied.
>
> Ahem: I _strongly_ suggest you go and read up on the history of The Bloody
> Code (the English legal system enforced during the 18th century). It has
> some ominous warnings for those who believe in mandatory sentencing and
> draconian punishment.
>
> Example: mandatory death penalty for stealing two shillings or a loaf of
> bread. (Not incredibly uncommon offenses, if you bear in mind that the
> existing social security provisions were virtually non-existent and this
> was a time of massive economic migration from countryside to town).
>
> The result? Lots of convictions for stealing half a penny less than two
> shillings ... and lots of juries who refused to convict *at all* on
> more serious charges.
>
> (Arrest and conviction rates went up significantly in the 1830's, when
> the draconian punishments were scrapped and replaced by a more liberal
> regime. And the crime rate went down.)
So if we get rid of all gun control laws, people will stop using guns in crimes?????
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