It becomes very concerning when our news media decides to become part of the criminal sentencing system. Taking the moral position that the ‘bad people' deserve to be exposed to society is very dangerous...
and should be seen as a vigilantly action. 'Vigilante justice”
results from the perception that punishment by the legal system is insufficient for the crime.
When a newspaper publishes offenders names (even convicted drink
drivers) it has the result of punishing those offenders further although newspaper will claim that it does so as an incentive to discourage others offending. Punishment should be the sole prerogative of the Courts - no matter how indignant one becomes over any issue.
The moral outrage displayed may one day return to bite a publisher in a tender place.
Maurice O'Reilly, Avenues.