Concepts of Justice and The Law [Period 4, Class #15, Apr 20]

[glasses-justice.livejournal.com]

"Welcome to our last class together," Alex said, offering her students a light smile. "I'll be honest: I've really enjoyed our conversations this semester. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk about justice, and thank you for your insights and perspectives on all the subjects we've covered. They've been nothing short of fascinating."

She gestured to the stack of papers on her desk. "This, of course, is your final. It's structured just like the midterm was. You can use anything you may have brought with you, but you shouldn't need to. You cannot work with your classmates, and I'll ask that you not talk to one another until all exams have been handed in. Even if you and your friend are both finished, the next person over might not be, and your conversation could be a distraction.

"Once you've handed in your exam, you're free to leave. Or, if you'd rather, you can stick around and tell me what you thought of class -- what I did wrong, what I did right, anything like that. But for now, you've got finals to complete. Good luck, and show me what you know."

Comments

Re: Question 5: Case Study - Prisoners' Rights and Victims' Rights - JST15

[glacial_queen]

On the one hand, the neighborhood has a right to know about a dangerous element in their midst, so they can take every reasonable precaution to keep themselves and their families safe. If this convict were the pedophile from the previous question, for example, it would make sense that families with small children be warned about his presence.

On the other hand, this behavior goes beyond 'reasonable precautions.' They are treading perilously close to the tort of false light; they are informing the public of the truth, but one could argue their motives stem from malice. There is certainly no reason to put up posters on poles and under wipers--this goes beyond the community to informing random strangers of this man's identity and crimes. They are invading his privacy; even as a convict, he has rights. Furthermore, isn't barring him from certain public establishments illegal?

That being said, I don't think the police should necessarily get involved. What's going on isn't criminal in nature, and unless it gets to the point where criminal acts are being perpetrated (assault, battery, trespassing), it's probably best to keep them out of that. But I do think the convict should bring the most 'enthusiastic' members of the watch to civil court.