Gingernuts - you started off your thread very well, then had to write complete nonsense - yes agree with what you say about Goverenment policies etc, yet if people commit violent crime, then they should be punished, have you ever been the victim ??
eh - thought that was what I said? All crime needs to be punished, but violent criminals need longer sentences - e.g. life must be 30 years or more (not 12 years or less with good behaviour). Government also needs to start addressing the causes of crime as well as the punishment. Not in the way that the Courts feel sorry for individuals becasue of circumstances, but as a programme to reduce the numbers who offend in the first place.