At Ledgies' Urging, Paris Hilton Sent Back to Prison

[Sarah]

Originally Posted by danax6

Sometimes I am glad I don't live in the USA. That would completely annoy me also. I think it's different for us because we're not exposed to this 24/7. I can still think she's an annoying twit without having been influenced by the media. My ignorance regarding the legal system helps a lot also. I realize this sounds incredibly prejudiced, but I find it hard to conjur up any sympathy for someone like Paris Hilton, who has not contributed one decent thing to society.

Well, the only things I can say to maybe shed some light on the system here (without getting all technical like strand) are a couple talking points.

1. a woman who shot her minister husband in the back with a shotgun while he slept did not get convicted of first degree murder.. voluntary manslaughter. she was sentenced yesterday to 3 years in prison, of which she only has to do 210 days. she will technically do less than that, as she'll serve most of that time in the mental ward getting help for the emotional, physical, and mental stress he put her through. before she blew him away with a 12 gauge. considering the extreme difference of their crimes, 210 days in jail for murder and 45 days for driving when you shouldn't be.. not enough difference there.


2. DUI and driving on a suspended license are usually less than 30 days here. Maybe it's because of my state. But a lot of people who get busted for DUI, driving while suspended, or driving while revoked don't really do time, they get probation - even after multiple offenses - and serve community service hours. 45 days hard time is pretty severe.

3. people busted for possession of marijuana stay in jail longer here than a lot of other offenses because of mandatory sentencing. what the hell is that about anyway? get busted with an ounce, serve 3 years. blow your husband away, serve 3 years theoretically but not really.

it's way wacky around here. the point isn't that she hasn't done anything good for society. the point is that there are people who do way worse in society and get away with it because over jail overcrowding or half-ass cops, while she's strung up for our watercooler chat enjoyment.