shaming

By analyzing shaming and other innovative punishment schemes with regard to dignity, mental

anguish, and arbitrariness; some question if these types of sanctions violate an individual’s Eighth Amendment right, banning cruel and unusual punishment.

1. Do you think a judge should be allowed the discretion to sanction a convicted drunk driver to display a sign on his or her car indicating they are a “convicted drunk driver”?
2. Do you think a judge should be allowed the discretion to sanction a sex offender to display a sign in the front yard to his or her residence indicating they are a “convicted child molester”?
3. Do you believe shaming could reduce crime?  Why or why not?