Post by rreiter on Feb 19, 2016 5:17:17 GMT
The question of legal and societal issues of Doris' imprisonment play into my opinion about whether or not Doris should be granted clemency. I think it is important to examine the reason behind laws and prison. Does living a good and model life after one has broken the law excuse that individual from their illegal activity? And what is the idea behind prison? Is it to punish lawbreakers, or is it to reform criminals? In this case, it would appear that Doris has been reformed. She leads a good life as a devoted wife, loving mother, and contributor to society through her volunteer work. She has also (presumably) not broken any laws since she escaped from prison. So one could make an argument for clemency based on those points.
However, I also think it sets a dangerous precedent in society and the legal system to allow someone to be fully absolved of not only breaking the law but also escaping from prison simply because that individual could not "tolerate" prison. While Doris may be a loving and dedicated mother, granting her clemency directly contradicts her message to her children to be responsible citizens. I think that Doris should face some consequences for her actions. But, given Doris' record and character that she has built over the previous 34 years, I think that there could be room for a less harsh penalty than having her carry out the remainder of her prison sentence. If I were the governor, I would still hand out some form of punishment in the form of a fine and lesser jail time so as not to potentially undo the years of reform that Doris has achieved.
P.S. this assignment reminded me of an episode of the Simpsons where Homer's mother was on the run from the law for sabotaging Mr. Burns' germ warfare laboratory. She left Homer behind when he was a boy, and it likely had negative effects on his life. When she was found out again not long after reuniting with Homer many years later, she sadly had to go on the run and leave him again. It was a very sad episode. Anyways, I was almost moved to argue for full clemency for Doris Drugdealer because I don't want her kids to experience what Homer went through. But then again, The Simpsons is a cartoon show.
However, I also think it sets a dangerous precedent in society and the legal system to allow someone to be fully absolved of not only breaking the law but also escaping from prison simply because that individual could not "tolerate" prison. While Doris may be a loving and dedicated mother, granting her clemency directly contradicts her message to her children to be responsible citizens. I think that Doris should face some consequences for her actions. But, given Doris' record and character that she has built over the previous 34 years, I think that there could be room for a less harsh penalty than having her carry out the remainder of her prison sentence. If I were the governor, I would still hand out some form of punishment in the form of a fine and lesser jail time so as not to potentially undo the years of reform that Doris has achieved.
P.S. this assignment reminded me of an episode of the Simpsons where Homer's mother was on the run from the law for sabotaging Mr. Burns' germ warfare laboratory. She left Homer behind when he was a boy, and it likely had negative effects on his life. When she was found out again not long after reuniting with Homer many years later, she sadly had to go on the run and leave him again. It was a very sad episode. Anyways, I was almost moved to argue for full clemency for Doris Drugdealer because I don't want her kids to experience what Homer went through. But then again, The Simpsons is a cartoon show.