Thank you for that comment Michael, I agree; we shouldn't try to hurt each other but ask what we can do to help each other & make the world a better place. I'm intrigued by what you’ve taught me about your justice system through your reply here too. Although the question around restitution for Marcus may well be a moot point, what you've had to say intrigues me in relation to the differences between our country’s systems.
Here in Australia we don’t expect those convicted and sentenced to imprisonment to pay restitution (and the question rings in my mind… HOW exactly are they supposed to do that!?). It seems to me as 'double dipping' or being sentenced twice for the same thing.
A prison sentence here subsumes all other punishments and isn't cumulative with any other sentence. We attach restitution only to fines, and that is only for property damage the defendant is responsible for within the commission of the crime. The only time assets are liquidated here, is if they are presumed to be ‘proceeds of crime’ (bought with proceeds of drug money for example), in which case they're forfeited to the government. I'm pretty sure the only exemption is when commonwealth fraud is involved (social security fraud). That's the only time we're ever required to both serve a term of imprisonment AND repay the funds obtained fraudulently, but it’s not expected to be paid whilst the prison sentence is being served. I guess this system works for us, where it may not in the U.S. because our terms of imprisonment aren’t as excessive.
SAH, we don't even know if restitution was to be made. Sometimes restitution is already made by liquidating a person's assets before they are incarcerated. It's unproductive to make demands of people at random. Not every person on this site shares the same history and circumstances.
There are absolutely legitimate questions to be had around restitution to victims. Some questions in this case might be: Do you have any outstanding restitution? Why is it difficult for you to obtain these supplies? What purpose does having item X serve in prison?
There are also legitimate questions to be had around providing for a basic human beings' needs. Many cannot afford some of the basics; does throwing away someone's property when they transfer, especially to a more positive environment (max to med), put an undo burden on their family?
You clearly have a strong point of view and that's important. Can this point of view be used to open up dialogue for people to learn from, or is it only meant to be a roadblock you deposit as you move about the site?
i kinda skipped reading this bog as after reading the first few sentences, i could guess it was a set up.. Anyway, I read your profile... 5 yrs solitary?? thats shocking! How did you cope?
Thanks for writing! I finished the transcription for your post. I never liked The Elements of Style. Actually, I think it is overly formal for any current writings. A recent newspaper article spoke of the demise of WHOM...no one uses this word anymore. Please keep practicing. Stop being your own worst critic. You brain needs to hear...I AM A GOOD WRITER and I WILL BE GREAT SOON. Grace
Hey girlie :) Decided to read a bit of your blog as suggested. The blog looks nice and is easy to navigate. I am thrilled that you have access to write in a public forum to let people see what life is like for you. It truly breaks my heart because I know you so well and probably better than anyone. I pray for your peace of mind and spirit daily. So keep writing and I hope you get the cellie thing worked out because the current one is a shitcake. Love you long, long time xoxoxox <3
Gobble Gobble. I'm bored out my pretty little mind. I'm in the middle of school right now. lol it's awesome cuz we get computers to do our school work. Right now we are learning about the eight keys of exilence...phooy. I can't spell if my life depended on it. Okay, sorry but i have to do a presentation. Bye, love you and try not to die from boredom like I :P.
Actually, Steffee, I got released from federal prison a few months ago. Now I'm just another joe slogging it through the daily grind in another small city. I've been meaning to post some blogs about life after prison, but things are so hectic when you're fresh out of the joint that you can barely keep your head on straight.
I'd be happy to talk to you about what life was like while I was in, though. There's so much to say that it wouldn't be prudent to discuss it here. Feel free to email me if you wish. smalltownbassist@gmail.com
I'm also open to texting if you're located in the United States. Just let me know when and if you decide to email me.
Thank you so much for your kind words. It's comments like yours that make me want to keep going.
RSS
Here in Australia we don’t expect those convicted and sentenced to imprisonment to pay restitution (and the question rings in my mind… HOW exactly are they supposed to do that!?). It seems to me as 'double dipping' or being sentenced twice for the same thing.
A prison sentence here subsumes all other punishments and isn't cumulative with any other sentence. We attach restitution only to fines, and that is only for property damage the defendant is responsible for within the commission of the crime. The only time assets are liquidated here, is if they are presumed to be ‘proceeds of crime’ (bought with proceeds of drug money for example), in which case they're forfeited to the government. I'm pretty sure the only exemption is when commonwealth fraud is involved (social security fraud). That's the only time we're ever required to both serve a term of imprisonment AND repay the funds obtained fraudulently, but it’s not expected to be paid whilst the prison sentence is being served. I guess this system works for us, where it may not in the U.S. because our terms of imprisonment aren’t as excessive.
Thanks for sharing!
Nicki
There are absolutely legitimate questions to be had around restitution to victims. Some questions in this case might be: Do you have any outstanding restitution? Why is it difficult for you to obtain these supplies? What purpose does having item X serve in prison?
There are also legitimate questions to be had around providing for a basic human beings' needs. Many cannot afford some of the basics; does throwing away someone's property when they transfer, especially to a more positive environment (max to med), put an undo burden on their family?
You clearly have a strong point of view and that's important. Can this point of view be used to open up dialogue for people to learn from, or is it only meant to be a roadblock you deposit as you move about the site?
i kinda skipped reading this bog as after reading the first few sentences, i could guess it was a set up..
Anyway, I read your profile... 5 yrs solitary?? thats shocking! How did you cope?
Decided to read a bit of your blog as suggested. The blog looks nice and is easy to navigate. I am thrilled that you have access to write in a public forum to let people see what life is like for you. It truly breaks my heart because I know you so well and probably better than anyone. I pray for your peace of mind and spirit daily. So keep writing and I hope you get the cellie thing worked out because the current one is a shitcake. Love you long, long time xoxoxox <3
Sincerely,
Eleanor Anne.
I'd be happy to talk to you about what life was like while I was in, though. There's so much to say that it wouldn't be prudent to discuss it here. Feel free to email me if you wish. smalltownbassist@gmail.com
I'm also open to texting if you're located in the United States. Just let me know when and if you decide to email me.
Thank you so much for your kind words. It's comments like yours that make me want to keep going.