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January 28, 2004

New Style Justice

From a friend in the "New" South Africa comes this wonderful little example of the way our concept of the seriousness of an offence has been turned upside down. Bear in mind that in Britain you are more likely to be prosecuted for attempting to apprehend a burglar in your own home, than the burglar is for attempting to rob you. Or, if you are a motorist, for exceeding the speed limit by even a small margin.

It sort of puts things into perspective when you see it boiled down to this.

THE CHEAPER OF TWO EVILS

Two recent court cases have earned the attention of newspaper readers in
South Africa. One person was fined R1 000 for not having a TV licence.
Another was released on bail for R500 after being arrested for murder.
The moral of this South African story: if you do not have a TV licence and
the inspector comes round, kill him.
You'll save R500.

Posted by The Gray Monk at January 28, 2004 10:04 PM