Monday, September 25, 2006

Fondler's remorse

It doesn't need too much of an introduction, so I'll just give the title of this story from Finland: "Court says $32,000 is too much to fondle bosom."

The kicker is the direct quote from Judge Hasse Hakki-- "Based on general life experience alone, it is indisputably clear that a 25,500 euro charge is disproportionate to the compensation in question." Is this the judge's way of saying that the woman isn't worth that amount? I read it as: "On behalf of the state, we have determined that you are cheaper than $32,000." Naturally, value is subjective, so the judge's preferences imposed on the situation will lead to a different level of proposed compensation than the "victim's." Evidently the man willingly paid the amount at the time, yet filed the charges anyway-- sounds like a case of "fondler's remorse."

More importantly: How does the punishment do anything to rectify the situation? In the eyes of the court, the man was overcharged for the service. Jail time does nothing to rectify that fact. Further, throwing her in jail prevents her from generating any more wealth from similar activities, though she may now have access to a different segment of the market. Not that any case should be brought against the girl in this matter, but restitution would be the only verdict that would make any sense.

1 comment:

Nog said...

This seems to be a scary move closer to state ownership of citizens. A benevolent master selling the services of his slave more cheaply than others is still a slavemaster. His "generosity" doesn't redeem him.