fandomhigh | Concepts of Justice and The Law [Period 4, Class #14, Apr 13]

Alex was not quite her usual self today, but she was making a valiant effort as she entered class and nodded at her students.

"This is our last regular class together," she said. "Next week, there's a final. So today's topic is going to be short, so we can get to any final review you guys might want to cover."

And also because Alex was drained, and most of her students didn't seem much better off.

"Today's topic is cruel and unusual punishment. When the law is punitive, when the state wants to make examples out of dissidents, sometimes the result is the most painful and tortuous hardship that can be handed out. Order the convict to do manual labor, or be whipped publicly. Execute him in such a gruesome fashion that you're sure everyone else watching is terrified of the same thing being applied to them."

Or just break them psychologically. It was like Alex's syllabus was working against her.

"As a result, as we move towards justice and away from vengeance, many systems place in restrictions against cruel and unusual punishment. This means excessive punishment for minor infractions -- say, executing someone who stole your lunch -- as well as outlawing certain acts entirely. At this point, capital punishment was changed with an eye towards humane killing, if there is such a thing. Instant, painless death, as much as could be guaranteed, instead of drawn-out public suffering. All the same, many detractors believe any state-sponsored killing violates this rule."

Alex ran one hand through her hair. "Guys, I'm sorry. I'm not on my game today. This topic deserves a better treatment than I'm giving it, but this will have to do for today. Let's talk about cruel and unusual punishment, and then cover any review questions you might have. If there's time left, we can ... talk about your kids."

Entirely professional, that. But somehow it seemed like cruel and unusual punishment to try to have a rigorous class today.

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Alex smiled, gently, back at Karla. "I'm fine," she insisted. "A friend had a rough night, so I'm a little tired. I didn't mean to concern any of you."

Karla shrugged. "I didn't mind. The concern, I mean. I just wanted to make sure. This weekend was a little rough for everyone, I think. I know it's gotten me questioning."

She hesitated. It really wasn't her place to do anything more, now that Alex had so firmly (but gently!) declined her offer, but she felt awkward just ignoring the troubled emotions Alex was radiating. Especially after all the help Alex had given her.

"I hope your friend finds peace," she said at last. "That you both do."

"Thanks," she said, offering the girl a wry smile. "It was hard all the way around, I think. You're right."

She wasn't meaning to open up further. But Karla had come to her with some very personal issues of her own, and maybe that was why she felt she deserved more of an answer than a casual dismissal. Or maybe she was touched by the girl's concern, and too tired to be guarded. "My friend ... it isn't mine to tell, I'm afraid. Just that this weekend re-opened some very old wounds. Ones that probably never healed to start."

How exactly did someone get over their child being murdered? She couldn't imagine it, herself, and she had never had children.

Karla nodded. "Speaking as a Healer," she said softly, "sometimes old wounds need to be opened so they can heal right. But that doesn't make it any less painful for those involved. And not every old would needs to be reopened."

This weekend being what it was, Karla thought she could guess some of the generalities involved. "Either way, I'm glad your friend has you. Even if there's nothing that you can do, you're a good listener and you care. It doesn't seem like much sometimes, but it can be enough."

Concepts of Justice and The Law [Period 4, Class #14, Apr 13]

Re: Talk to Alex - JST14

Re: Talk to Alex - JST14

Re: Talk to Alex - JST14

Re: Talk to Alex - JST14