Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!pacific.mps.ohio-state.edu!linac!att!news.cs.indiana.edu!nstn.ns.ca!uupsi!sugar!taronga!peterc From: peterc@taronga.hackercorp.com (Peter Creath) Newsgroups: comp.org.eff.talk Subject: Re: Amendments Summary: my proposition for an ammendment Message-ID: Date: 6 May 91 00:26:41 GMT References: <1991Apr28.120019.18645@neon.Stanford.EDU> Organization: A small corner of Hell Lines: 25 Here's one that I think should be passed. Now, I think the current policy of finding criminals not guilty due to violations of their privacy or some such is just a matter of precedence, but if not, here's what I propose (in general, non-lawyer terms): Criminal Trial: Is the defendant innocent or guilty? If guilty, go on to sentencing. Were the defendant's rights violated? If so, the state files suit against the violator, with no impact on the defendant's sentence. Unfortunately, the side-effect of this is that police forces *MIGHT* just break into people's houses and search without a warrant, but that could be deterred by extremely harsh penalties for repeat offenders. That way, if there was an honest mistake, they might get a slap on the wrist, but if it was an intentional violation of rights, the person should be dismissed immediately (if in police, SS, FBI, whatever) or some such penalty. Maybe a $10,000 fine. Then dismissal. But you get the picture. I'd like to hear feedback on this idea. Also, how about putting only people who have committed VIOLENT crimes in jail. The rest get either fines or civil service or both... How about some feedback on that idea... -- peterc@taronga.hackercorp.com peterc@taronga.uucp.ferranti.com (same thing...)