I just read an amusing article from the Simple Justice blog, intrigued by this photo:

The article was about two Bedford County, PA, women, Evelyn Border and her daughter, Tina Griekspoor, who stole a gift certificate from a 9-year-old girl at her birthday party. A pretty desperate act for which they found themselves in some trouble. After being arrested, District Attorney Bill Higgins was negotiating plea bargains with the women. Wanting to avoid jail time, Higgins made a deal with the women that he would recommend probation to the judge if the two stood outside the courthouse bearing huge signs that said “I stole from a 9 year-old on her birthday! Don’t steal or this could happen to you!”

Quite a surprising punishment for a criminal. It seems more like something my parents would make me do as a child if I “borrowed” the neighbor’s toy – force me to walk over, red with embarrassment, apologize and return it. The end goal being that you’re so ashamed that you wouldn’t do it again; but just because that works as a kid, doesn’t mean it will work with adults. Some people are shameless (and you have to be if you’re willing to steal from a child).

I suppose it is a seemingly small price to pay, but when did it become the prosecutor’s job to enforce sentencing on those facing criminal charges? That’s the judge’s choice. No matter the act, it doesn’t seem fair to force anyone to humiliate themselves. I know I wouldn’t want my mistakes exploited in public. It seems like less of an actual punishment and more a selfish act on Higgins part to gain some personal satisfaction.

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