Some would be thrilled to hear that

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

What do you think would happen to Joe public if they had been convicted of the same offenses?

That is a fair question. I would hope that the same sentence would be awarded, but we all know, irrespective of which jurisdiction it occurs, the average Joe Public receives a different consideration.
My answer was on a case, not on any case. Although I would hope my response would apply to all similar cases. I think it's pointless and wasteful of resources to lock up someone who is unlikely to reoffend, is no threat to society, and has already suffered far more humiliation that a prison sentence could confer. Of course that degree of humiliation is specific to someone of Sarkozy's fame, which does not apply to the average Joe Public.

Sarkozy is subject to a community order, with the added restriction that he is confined to his home, for a specified period of time.

 

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

Except for the fact that other people who might be tempted act in a similar manner will see Sarkozy getting off likely.
Imprisonment is a deterrent as well as a punishment.

I suspect that the humiliation is a greater deterrent to the rich and famous.

 

[EddieM]

That is a fair question. I would hope that the same sentence would be awarded, but we all know, irrespective of which jurisdiction it occurs, the average Joe Public receives a different consideration.
My answer was on a case, not on any case. Although I would hope my response would apply to all similar cases. I think it's pointless and wasteful of resources to lock up someone who is unlikely to reoffend, is no threat to society, and has already suffered far more humiliation that a prison sentence could confer. Of course that degree of humiliation is specific to someone of Sarkozy's fame, which does not apply to the average Joe Public.

Sarkozy is subject to a community order, with the added restriction that he is confined to his home, for a specified period of time.

So in other words, he has a far more lenient punishment that Joe public, who would have almost certainly been incarcerated for many years.

 

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

So in other words, he has a far more lenient punishment that Joe public, who would have almost certainly been incarcerated for many years.

That might be true, but in my opinion, Joe Public, who is no threat to society, etc, should also receive the same punishment.
But, the loss of reputation is not so great or important to Joe Public.
Additionally, Sarkozy can hardly 'do a runner', whereas Joe Public could easily 'do a runner', and be difficult to apprehend.
So there are immutable differences in the considerations.

 

[Mottie]

I suspect that the humiliation is a greater deterrent to the rich and famous.

There is no humiliation among the rich and famous these days unless it’s around kiddy fiddling. Cash fiddling is almost a badge of honour.

 

[EddieM]

That might be true, but in my opinion, Joe Public, who is no threat to society, etc, should also receive the same punishment.

agree.

But, the loss of reputation is not so great or important to Joe Public.

Not relevant or should be a consideration IMO.

Additionally, Sarkozy can hardly 'do a runner', whereas Joe Public could easily 'do a runner', and be difficult to apprehend.
So there are immutable differences in the considerations.

Don't agree.

 

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

Not relevant or should be a consideration IMO.

If it was a civil court judgement, loss of reputation would be an overriding factor in the award of damages.
Why should it not be a factor in determining (additional) punishment in a criminal proceeding?

 

[Vinty]

, the loss of reputation is not so great or important to Joe Public

Sarkozy already had a reputation as a liar and a cheat.

 

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

Sarkozy already had a reputation as a liar and a cheat.

There's a difference between stories cooked up by opposition politicians, who we have also decided are lying cheats, and court decisions.

 

[Dangee]

Prison is punishment not revenge. Pushing for a death penalty would be revenge.

 

[Notch7]

Sarkozy already had a reputation as a liar and a cheat.

So has Johnson.

 

[Dangee]

One had been convicted & sentenced one hasn’t

 

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

One had been convicted & sentenced one hasn’t

What does that indicate the difference between France and UK?

 

[transam]

It indicates that french leaders and presidents can generally be referred to as scoundrels



bribary
Corruption
Back handers
Un declared gifts

 

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

It indicates that french leaders and presidents can generally be referred to as scoundrels



bribary
Corruption
Back handers
Un declared gifts

You're simply trolling as usual. You're not aware of what Sarkozy was charged with. It's what political parties, especially the Tory party live by in UK:
illegal financing of election campaigns and referendums.

Jonathan William Patrick Aitken Conservative Member of Parliament , former Cabinet minister and Church of England parish priest. He was convicted of perjury in 1999 and received an 18-month prison sentence, of which he served seven months.
Not investigated by the police. He was investigated by the press, otherwise he would have got away scot free.

Jeffrey Howard Archer, Baron Archer of Weston-super-Mare former politician, convicted perjurer, and peer of the realm. deputy chairman of the Conservative Party

David Noakes politician, 2006 UKIP leadership election. He pleaded guilty to "money laundering and manufacturing, supplying and selling an unlicensed medicine" and was sentenced in November 2018 to 15 months' imprisonment.

John Thomson Stonehouse Labour and Co-operative Party politician and junior minister under Harold Wilson. Stonehouse is remembered for his unsuccessful attempt at faking his own death in 1974.
he had been an agent for the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic military intelligence. Stonehouse had been a paid Czech spy since 1962. He had provided secrets about government plans as well as technical information about aircraft, and received about £5,000. He was already in prison for fraud and the government decided there was insufficient evidence to bring him to trial, so no announcement or prosecution was made.

And there's loads more.​