The notion of the fact that the role of the legislator might be stressful at the beginning of the discussion is highly relevant. Approving or opposing the bills is very responsible and requires the admission of several different factors. I agree with almost all the points made in this response regarding the opposition. In addition, I would elaborate on some points more and add other factors that might be worthy of consideration when deciding on the proposed bills. First, I agree that ‘the mandatory life term with no parole for any crime involving a weapon’ should not be put into law. First, as Paige has mentioned, there are different types of weapons. Second, I would add that people can use weapons not only to attack but also for self-defense. According to the textbook, retribution should be rational, which means that such factors as who is to be punished and the time restrictions for the punishment should be considered (Pollock, 2021, p. 331). Next, I disagree with the idea that prison time for DWI should be decided upon the damage inflicted. I think that it seems like the law is waiting for one to create damage. Instead, people should understand that there is always a threat of harming others when driving intoxicated. However, I agree with the notion that mandatory five years of prison is too harsh.
The second response makes many valuable points throughout the discussion. I would abandon corporal punishment as well because I think that there are different types of crimes. The perception of violence itself might be different and different cases might have different extents of violence. Thus, applying the same punishment for all the cases would be irrational. Next, I disagree with supporting the bill regarding public executions. The reason for that is the ethical issues that find an important role in law. As noted in the textbook, ethical issues are “difficult social or policy that includes the controversy over the right thing to do” (Pollock, 2021, p. 3). Thus, I think that killing people in front of others and using violence as punishment are matters that should be addressed as ethical issues. I support the opposition to the bill regarding probation and agree with the author of the response. The financial situation should not decide on the type of punishment as that would be discrimination.
Reference
Pollock, J. M. (2021). Ethical dilemmas and decisions in criminal justice. Cengage Learning.