Paris Hilton Gets Off Easy – Justice?
This is definitely not a blog about celebrities. But there are deeper implications surrounding the latest news about little Hilton.
You’ve probably heard that Paris Hilton is only going to serve 23 days of her 45 day jail sentence for violating her probation. And she’s going to do her time in a “special needs housing unit” reserved for high-profile inmates.
Why was her sentenced reduced? Because she showed up for court. She’s such a great model citizen that she doesn’t need to serve all her time. WHAT?!
Backwards thinking
Sadly, people look up to celebrities, especially young people. They are role models for many of our youth. Shouldn’t we be teaching young people that actions have consequences? Shouldn’t we teach them that law-breakers get in trouble?
What are we teaching them instead? That famous people get a free ride in life. Be rich, have expensive lawyers, use the press effectively, and you can get anything you want. Hmmm… that’s a great way to raise children.
Set a good example
Here’s my idea – punish celebrities even more harshly than ordinary people. If you’re “high profile,” you get to go to a special housing unit, but one that is not as nice as general population. You definitely wouldn’t get your sentenced reduced just for showing up for court.
This would present a stronger image of our criminal justice system. People would see that crime doesn’t pay. Breaking the law has consequences.
We could let ordinary people off a bit easier, since they aren’t as highly in the public view. These people aren’t usually role models for large numbers of citizens, so it’s not as damaging if they get treated a bit lighter. Let’s set some examples here!
What do you think?
As I step off my sarcastic soapbox, I’m curious what you think about this? Does the criminal justice system treat people equally? Should it?
By the way, I’m running for President in 2008. Can I have your vote? 😉
[tags]paris hilton, paris, prison, probation[/tags]
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6 Responses to “Paris Hilton Gets Off Easy – Justice?”
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About Andrew Flusche
Lawyer, bicyclist, husband.
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May 17th, 2007
You’re not old enough to run for president!
Celebrities have money, money buys good lawyers, good lawyers have the time and energy to put into getting their “traumatized” clients off easy. The LA jail is so full of people she probably won’t even serve the 23 days. Sad, but true. Punish them harder? Ack, then we’d just have to hear about in the news longer as the court proceedings get drawn out even longer. Imagine if she’d been sentenced to 6 months, we’d hear about it for how long?
May 17th, 2007
Equal justice for all is really equal justice for all that can afford it. I’m not going to debate whether it is right or wrong, that is for you to decide. The fact is that it’s better to be rich than poor. People that say money is not important don’t have any. Money is not good or bad but it does give you choices. Realize that and alter you life accordingly. Start a business, invest to WIN (as opposed to avoid losing), and take control of your life. Stop complaining about whether it’s right or wrong and accept it and then go do something about what you can change, your personal situation.
May 18th, 2007
You are right on the money there. Cases like Paris Hilton attract a lot of publicity. (why is she famous?) the publicity should be put to good affect and a longer custodial sentences delivered. As far as I know it would be her first positive contribution to society.
May 18th, 2007
It’s interesting to see the responses you guys had. I’m glad we could share our thoughts with each other. That’s the best part about blogging. 🙂
Thanks for commenting,
Andrew
May 30th, 2007
It’s a crying shame that celebrities get away with this! I guess Lindsey is going to get away with her mess too. It’s sick and I agree the system should change and be more leinient on regular folks. Just like this woman who was driving and her kid threw a cup out the window and it hit another car…judge sentence her to jail….yet people like Paris, Brittany, and Lindsey get away with anything they want….Lindsey had coke in her car…will she get charged and locked up…probably not…suck’s!
May 30th, 2007
Hi A’kyra,
I share in your frustration. It drives me nuts when people say “the world isn’t fair.” That’s a true statement, but that doesn’t mean it HAS to stay that way.
Thanks for commenting,
Andrew