Quote:
Originally posted by smooth
a $1 dollar fine for exercising political speech (an inalieable, deity given right) is too extreme a punishment.
I think it's the logical conclusion of the argument that a punishment's extremity is the basis for it's legitimacy.
Especially in this context since people can (and have) argue that freedom of speech is more sacrosanct than life.
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uh, someone already pointed out that canada doesn't quite view freedom of speech the otherway around. and no, the punishment doesn't determine the legitimacy. it is legitimate if the people of a nation give it legitamacy, and give a punishment they feel suitable for it. what we think doesn't matter. and unless it's to keep some from being executed or mistreated, you're on shaky ethical ground to ignore a treaty you approved and signed. (not you, smooth, you in the general sense).