Alan Howe (punch.com.au)

The Herald Sun has been supporting the Victorian Opposition in their call to get rid of suspended sentences. Writer Alan Howe outlined the story of a mother who allowed her child to drink alcohol to bolster this case. Most people would share Mr. Howe’s revulsion at the situation. However the solution he proposes is questionable. Do we need more people like the mother in the story to go to jail? More deeply, does the community somehow feel better about itself by demonising ‘our worst mum’? Some more questions, of a more legal nature, here.