Verdict in German 9-11 Trial: Guilty - 15 years for first 9/11 accused

Wednesday, February 19, 2003

[Michael81Dus]

"And who protects us from the State?"

At least the Constitutional Court. We have a right to appeal directly to that Supreme Court in cases we believe our basic rights (Art. 1-19 of the constitution) are violated. The Court has made many decisions in this regard, e.g. that the humans dignity is worth more than revenge (life-long ends after 15-20 years! exceptions only allowed for mentally ill criminals).

[Michael81Dus]

15-20 years are a very long time. People may change a lot during that period, and the Constitutional Court acknowledges this right to change and to realize your faults of the past. Releasing the murderer after 17 years gives him a 2nd chance, but keeping him in prison doesn´t make your relative alive again.

[An.American.Expatriate]

My question was rhetorical!

[An.American.Expatriate]

As you say, people may change during thier confinement. Which is why the american system also allows for early release when the suspect has shown remorse or has otherwise demonstrated that they "deserve" a second chance. A "guarantee" of a second chance just doesn't seem to be a deterent, especially when this second chance is given again and again and again. Also, if the cost is not "high" enough, what is to prevent him from commiting the same offense again. Agreed, life-long doesn't bring back my relative, but it my protect yours!