This is a genuine question.

I have a hard time with this. My righteous side wants him to face an appropriate sentence, but my pessimistic side thinks this might have set a great example for CEOs to always maintain a level of humanity or face unforseen consequences.

P.S. this topic is highly controversial and I want actual opinions so let’s be civil.

And if you’re a mod, delete this if the post is inappropriate or if it gets too heated.

  • thawed_caveman@lemmy.world
    106·
    16 days ago

    I want to live in civilization and i enjoy its benefits, so no, i can’t go around saying someone should be acquitted because the crime was based. We’ve collectively agreed to put the law above our feelings, that’s a good thing, i wish it was done more, so i’m doing my part and preparing to send him cigarettes in prison.

    • eronth@lemmy.world
      6·
      16 days ago

      I agree with your premise, but we’re in a really fucked civilization right now where there’s a class of “elite” people who can make decisions that negatively affect the literal lives of millions without worry. We’re not in a fair or stable civilization right now, which is why so many people are on team “nah I hope this guy gets away with it”.

      • thawed_caveman@lemmy.world
        41·
        16 days ago

        there’s a class of “elite” people who can make decisions that negatively affect the literal lives of millions without worry

        This has been true for as long as civilization has been a thing; in fact it’s less of a thing now than it ever has been, the elites have never had so little power.

        Which is to say they still have entirely too much and i also hope he gets away with it

    • comfy@lemmy.ml
      4·
      16 days ago

      We’ve collectively agreed to put the law above

      I don’t remember agreeing to these laws. I break the dumbest ones constantly. Laws are made by politicians who are controlled by the owning class. They are enforced on us, not developed by us. That’s why corporations and their board of directors can rape the earth and kill thousands and millions while you and me can get jailed for petty little things like copying textbooks too much or buying fun smokable plants.

    • sailingbythelee@lemmy.world
      41·
      16 days ago

      Jury nullification exists precisely because there is often a gap between legality and justice. It’s a way for the commoners to ensure justice when the nobility (CEOs and rich politicians, nowadays) make the laws in ways that exploit the commoners. It’s not so much about law vs. feelings as much as it is about offsetting the power of the powerful.

        • sailingbythelee@lemmy.world
          1·
          16 days ago

          True, but we aren’t talking about whether jury nullification should exist. It already does exist and has for a 1000 years. The question is just when to use it. Like any right or privilege, it can be used unjustly. It is up to citizens to make sure it is used for good.

    • kingthrillgore@lemmy.ml
      2·
      16 days ago

      With all due respect, we recently had a kangaroo court of the SCOTUS rule the President, the highest seat in the US, is “above the law” and we’re about to put someone in who has no care or compassion for the very laws we are bound by, and we agree to be bound by, for a just society.

      If he’s above the law, then why am I not? Why is the law a social constraint from the gentry? The man carried out the only law that has ever been close to equal and acceptable, yet spiteful and hollow: Revenge.