Monday 8 March 2010

Identity

I've been keeping a wary eye on the case of Jon Venables, the killer of Jamie Bulger, and how he has been reincarcerated for a crime that cannot be divulged to the public.

Interestingly, Jamie Bulger's mother wants to know details of his most recent crime. Aside from the fact that the law protects us, and him, from such information being released, I really don't. Admittedly, I'm not someone who has been hurt by him in the past, but even if I was, I have no idea why I would want to stir up such hurt again.

I worry that if she or we were to find out, it would be used to justify an ongoing campaign of hatred against him. Yes, he's a criminal, but that's why he's been sent back to prison. Let the justice system do its job, and we, as a society need to learn to forgive.

Yes, forgive him.

Answers on a postcard.

3 comments:

Elizabeth said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I'm with you. Knowing the details just feeds our voyeurism, and for Jamie's mother her bitterness and anger (which as you say is a cause taken up by the public as well).

In terms of justice, Lizzie, I think you are talking about justice for him. If he has re-offended then yes being imprisoned is just. Justice for him also means helping him - I assume this has been attempted (I would have thought in his case at least). If he has re-offended anyway then that is his responsibility.

Of course whether or not the system has helped enough is a whole other kettle of fish.

Aaron said...

Fromthesamesky, your wording seems to suggest Jamie's mother is in the wrong for feeling as she does. Do you think she should have forgiven Jon Venables by now?