NationStates Jolt Archive

From what is currently the front page article of the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6587701.stm):
Verdict 'robbed Lucie of justice'

Lucie Blackman's father says she has been "robbed of justice" after a man was cleared of raping and killing her.

But Japanese businessman Joji Obara, 54, was jailed for life for raping nine other women, including one - Australian Carita Ridgway - who died.

The judge said there was no proof Obara alone was responsible for the death of Miss Blackman, 21, of Sevenoaks, Kent, who was found dead near Tokyo in 2001.

Mr Blackman said prosecutors should "strongly consider" an appeal.

Mr Blackman said he was initially fairly pragmatic after the verdict because he knew that Obara had at least been locked up for life.

However, he added: "Following a meeting with the prosecutors we feel very much more upset about it and feel that in many respects Lucie has been robbed of her justice."

...
Make no mistake; I'm glad the man has been placed where he can no longer harm people. But I find this a hard pill to swallow. Is it the case that Justice has not been done when a man is found not guilty of a crime? Is it the case that Justice has not been done when a man found innocent is not punished?

It seems to me that this attitude is so typical of people today. Somehow it is unfair that we do not get to exact vengeance on others for the hurt we have suffered, even when the target of that revenge can only be speculatively shown to have had a role in the initial hurt itself.

Hiding behind a thin disguise of "Justice" is a secret thirst for blood that does not distinguish between the guilty and the innocent. And what is Justice anyway; is it just the satisfaction of our selfish desires to see the pain we have endured inflicted on someone else?

All I know is there's something seriously wrong when we villianise a man for being found innocent.

So, despite the fact that the man Mr. Blackman believes killed and raped his daughter is being jailed for life, Mr. Blackman believes he has been robbed of justice?


What the fuck is that guy smoking?

From what is currently the front page article of the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6587701.stm):

Make no mistake; I'm glad the man has been placed where he can no longer harm people. But I find this a hard pill to swallow. Is it the case that Justice has not been done when a man is found not guilty of a crime? Is it the case that Justice has not been done when a man found innocent is not punished?

It seems to me that this attitude is so typified of people today. Somehow it is unfair that we do not get to exact vengeance on others for the hurt we have suffered, even when the target of that revenge can only be speculatively shown to have had a role in the initial hurt itself.

Hiding behind a thin disguise of "Justice" is a secret thirst for blood that does not distinguish between the guilty and the innocent. And what is Justice anyway; is it just the satisfaction of our selfish desires to see the pain we have endured inflicted on someone else?

All I know is there's something seriously wrong when we villianise a man for being found innocent.

I agree. Part of 'justice' is recognizing the concept of reasonable doubt.

So, despite the fact that the man Mr. Blackman believes killed and raped his daughter is being jailed for life, Mr. Blackman believes he has been robbed of justice?


What the fuck is that guy smoking?

Salmon.

Smells good too. :)

Salmon.

Smells good too. :)

Damn you, now I'm hungry.

You win this round Goofballs!

From what is currently the front page article of the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6587701.stm):

Make no mistake; I'm glad the man has been placed where he can no longer harm people. But I find this a hard pill to swallow. Is it the case that Justice has not been done when a man is found not guilty of a crime? Is it the case that Justice has not been done when a man found innocent is not punished?

It seems to me that this attitude is so typical of people today. Somehow it is unfair that we do not get to exact vengeance on others for the hurt we have suffered, even when the target of that revenge can only be speculatively shown to have had a role in the initial hurt itself.

Hiding behind a thin disguise of "Justice" is a secret thirst for blood that does not distinguish between the guilty and the innocent. And what is Justice anyway; is it just the satisfaction of our selfish desires to see the pain we have endured inflicted on someone else?

All I know is there's something seriously wrong when we villianise a man for being found innocent.Interesting, if I understand this correctly (and am correct in my thinking that Japan doesn't have the death penalty), a conviction wouldn't have altered this man's punishment at all since he already recieved a life sentence.

Interesting, if I understand this correctly (and am correct in my thinking that Japan doesn't have the death penalty), a conviction wouldn't have altered this man's punishment at all since he already recieved a life sentence.

No, Japan does have the Death Penalty. It's rarely used, though (last one I think, was Shoko Asahara, leader of Aum Shinrikyo).

The father doesn't want justice at all; he wants vengeance. Understandable, but it's why victims families shouldn't be part of the system.

No, Japan does have the Death Penalty. It's rarely used, though (last one I think, was Shoko Asahara, leader of Aum Shinrikyo).

The father doesn't want justice at all; he wants vengeance. Understandable, but it's why victims families shouldn't be part of the system.Oh, yes I remember that now.

But I guess that explains it now... the old eye for an eye bit.

From what is currently the front page article of the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6587701.stm):

Make no mistake; I'm glad the man has been placed where he can no longer harm people. But I find this a hard pill to swallow. Is it the case that Justice has not been done when a man is found not guilty of a crime? Is it the case that Justice has not been done when a man found innocent is not punished?

It seems to me that this attitude is so typical of people today. Somehow it is unfair that we do not get to exact vengeance on others for the hurt we have suffered, even when the target of that revenge can only be speculatively shown to have had a role in the initial hurt itself.

Hiding behind a thin disguise of "Justice" is a secret thirst for blood that does not distinguish between the guilty and the innocent. And what is Justice anyway; is it just the satisfaction of our selfish desires to see the pain we have endured inflicted on someone else?

All I know is there's something seriously wrong when we villianise a man for being found innocent.

This is why I don't really believe in Justice. I think the function of prison should be to prevent criminals from re-offending, not to "punish" them.

No, Japan does have the Death Penalty. It's rarely used, though (last one I think, was Shoko Asahara, leader of Aum Shinrikyo).

The father doesn't want justice at all; he wants vengeance. Understandable, but it's why victims families shouldn't be part of the system.

And that's the crunch huh? Wasn't there a thread a while back asking does justice mean vengance nowadays?

Damn you, now I'm hungry.

You win this round Goofballs!

http://www.toadking.com/6x9=42/win.jpg

Interesting, if I understand this correctly (and am correct in my thinking that Japan doesn't have the death penalty), a conviction wouldn't have altered this man's punishment at all since he already recieved a life sentence.

Shame life doesn't mean life in Japan

http://www.toadking.com/6x9=42/win.jpg

Indeed.

What about the fact that Mr. Blackman (who lives close to me actually) has accepted a very large sum of 'blood money' against the wishes of Lucy's mother (his ex wife) and Lucy's sister? This man should be happy that this guy is locked up...what does he want now? more cash? None of this will bring back his daughter, he needs to sort out his priorities

What about the fact that Mr. Blackman (who lives close to me actually) has accepted a very large sum of 'blood money' against the wishes of Lucy's mother (his ex wife) and Lucy's sister? This man should be happy that this guy is locked up...what does he want now? more cash? None of this will bring back his daughter, he needs to sort out his priorities

Who gave him money? :eek:

And more importantly, why did they give him money? :eek::eek::eek:

Who gave him money? :eek:

And more importantly, why did they give him money? :eek::eek::eek:

I believe it was an associate of the defendant as a "condolence" payment. Does suggest a certain amount of guilt IMO though

Who gave him money? :eek:

And more importantly, why did they give him money? :eek::eek::eek:
See below
The mother of Lucie Blackman has attacked her ex-husband's decision to accept £420,000 "blood money" relating to her daughter's death.

Obara, 54, is accused of abducting the 21-year-old hostess, rape resulting in death and the disposal of her body. He is not accused of her murder. He also denies killing another foreign hostess and raping eight other women.

A friend of Obara paid 100 million yen (£420,000) as a "condolence payment" to Mr Blackman. In Japan, defendants who admit guilt can pay compensation to their victims or their families and these are then taken into consideration during sentencing.

Lucie's mother, Jane Steare, has slammed Mr Blackman's decision to accept the money from Obara's friend saying: "As far as I am concerned, Tim accepted 100 million pieces of silver. Judas was content with just 30."

Ms Steare added: "It's bad enough losing your daughter in the terrible circumstances that Lucie died, but to then find out that her father seems to have colluded with the defence team has been emotionally crippling."

Mr Blackman, a property developer, said it was condolence money. Hampshire Police is investigating the "blood money" allegation.

Obara offered £200,000 to the grieving relatives of Australian Carita Ridgway, who died after allegedly being drugged and raped by him in 1992. The family rejected it. He is also believed to have paid around £10,000 to at least one of his alleged rape victims.

Mr Blackman said of his ex-wife's comments: "I find it absolutely, entirely inappropriate. This is a really important time in Lucie's case and there could have been any time in the last eight or nine months when she could raise these issues.