Clemency?

[Amanda Kogut-Rosenau]

I struggled with this because I wanted to give her a pass, but in the end, I couldn't.  In weighing all the facts I believe that the Governor should not grant Doris clemency.  

The facts at issue are that she willingly broke the law everyday starting in 1974.  The reading caused me to believe that she really regretted getting caught for what she did more than she regretted doing it.  Doris' current socioeconomic class and standing in a wealthy community are put forward as reasons to support her clemency--this is counter to the idea that we are all equal under the law.  Having a higher status in society should not provide an easy exit from the justice system.

I would support the Governor recommending a new sentence based upon her community service and contributions over the past 34 years--reduced jail time in a low security facility and heavy fines. 

[Ayia]

I really agree with you interpretation and solution However, I did't get the sense that the text implied she should be given a lighter sentence due to her current economic status, it seemed that all the evidence was based on her behavior in the community and with her family. While, I agree that all people should be treated equally under the law, I was interested and what you felt implied that her current socio-economic status was part of the factors being considered in her clemency?