For example, according to my law professor, most drivers don’t obey the speed limit for safety; they obey it because they don’t want to get a speeding ticket; most people don’t steal money because they’re afraid of going to jail – not because it is wrong to steal; most corporations don’t pollute because they don’t want to get fined, not because it is wrong to pollute.
Intelligent people can disagree on this question. However, we have a true-life case study that might help us to understand this problem.
In January NBA star Gilbert Arenas was charged by DC authorities with the crime of carrying an unlicensed gun. He could have gone to jail for several years for this serious felony. However, last week, Arenas learned that he would not go to jail. He is a very lucky man because a jail term could have ended his professional basketball career and wrecked his life.
Before learning that he would not go to jail, when he was terrified that he would lose everything, Arenas publicly apologized for having broken the law and disappointing his family, fans and teammates. Arenas must be very elated that he has been giving a second chance at life, but has he learned from his mistake or will he repeat his error?
Only time will tell. However, my law school professor would probably argue that Arenas will continue to engage in criminal behavior that places others at risk because he did not suffer significant consequences.
What do you think? Are consequences (jail time) necessary to keep Gilbert Arenas from breaking the law again? Or, will this experience be enough to keep him from repeating his mistake?
Let us know what you think below. OSU!
