It’s just not a basis for policy.
I never thought it was but you’re right, Red paid for his crime, Andy outsmarted the whole bunch and it was indeed a great movie.
What’s amazing is that it didn’t win Best Picture. It was up against Forrest Gump and Pulp Fiction. Tough year, but I think it should have won. If it is on against those two, I will watch it again. The other nominees that year were Quiz Show and Four Weddings and a Funeral. Tough year.