Is This Fair?

[ChillDoubt]

Whilst I would never condone what he did this does seem a tad cruel, considering that he has paid his debt to society:

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-28905473

It would appear that the celebrity status of his victim means he may never see the light of day. But has justice already been served(and then some) and is he now being kept inside out of pure spite?

[Henrietta]

To those that think it's "Not fair"

Would you say that in front of his wife? His Child? In front of the other remaining beatles and his millions of fans?

What if it was your dad/son/friend/relative who was brutally murdered . Would you still think it wasn't "fair" and would happily be glad if he was released?


Lennon brought music to the world, music that uplifted/motivated and brought joy to their hearts and this twisted psychopath went out of his way to brutally murder a complete stranger and have this peaceful soul ripped away from the world.

Please let us gain some composure and perspective here.

[agchristie]

Henrietta few would disagree with you. For my part, I am trying to understand the Parole Board workings. The latest statement appears to be a big hint to Chapman's lawyers not to bother with appeal number nine....

[ChillDoubt]

Again ag, I believe you're right.
I can't imagine any parole board that would want the infamy of being the one that finally released the killer of John Lennon, they'd be villified as much as Chapman, who also as is believed may be kept inside for his own safety.
I can't imagine him living anywhere in the world without plastic surgery, utmost secrecy and 24/7 armed protection. The iconic status of his victim has probably sealed his fate forever.

[agchristie]

^ definitely.

[jomifl]

/As to whether his victim's celebrity played a part - well, it certainly played a part in why the murder was committed in the first place, so I suppose it's only fair if it plays a role in the sentence./
That is a very valid point jno, almost poetic.

[ChillDoubt]

Please let us gain some composure and perspective here.
----------
I believe we have, it's been a good debate thus far and the rationale of all posts has been excellent.
The only one who appears to have let their emotions get the better of them is the one who made that statement!

[Khandro]

The guy was certainly a psychopath at the time of the assassination and he may well remain so today, how can we sit here making judgements on the state of his present mind? Those who know him think he is still a danger to society, so he must be kept away from society, it isn't about punishment.

[agchristie]

I have gone on record stating nobody knows his mental health state Khandro. The Board's statement is a one size fits all. There is virtually no chance he will be released.

[Khandro]

^^ but the parole board stated; "Your release would be incompatible with the welfare of society.."

[agchristie]

Indeed that is so Khandro, the board is implying there is a risk to society. In the context of the whole statement I cannot see how he can possibly be released.

[jno]

panels are paid to be brave if need be. There would of course be ructions if Chapman went free; then again, there are people like CD who think he's paid his debt, so there are arguments both ways. Sentences tend to be tougher in the USA than here: his is, and he hasn't served it yet, he's only passed the minimum.

Personally I'd like the US system to be adopted here, where a maximum and minimum are announced, rather than a single sentence that nobody actually serves.

[agchristie]

He clearly hasn't paid his debt you are right as the sentence handed down would confirm. If the Parole Board states, as it has, about the seriousness of the case and that his release would 'undermine the law', he could apply a hundred times and not prevail. A statement as bold as that surely is not going to be overturned.

[jno]

well, as I said, the boards can't be bound by previous boards' statements. Future ones can always take a more lenient view. In, say, 20 years' time, will white-bearded Beatles fans still be upset if a 79-year-old is released?

[Henrietta]

I'm far from emotional and am sorry you took it that way but am just perplexed at the posters who think it's not fair.

I'm just looking at it from outside the box

[agchristie]

Jno, you are correct of course but I doubt any Board will rule in his favour.

What panel will accept a lack of 'respect for the law'?

[jno]

other panels may think differently, though, which is their right. They may say (as CD more or less suggests) that respect for the law is better served by freeing someone who's been inside for decades and no longer poses a threat, if that's how they see it.

I'd think he was being singled out for exceptonal punishment if this was happening here; but I don't know that it's out of line with US thinking.

[agchristie]

Eight panels all concurred to date, it doesn't look good for him does it. Would be interesting to review earlier Board's statements. Can't be much different can it? The latest statement could easily be read as the first appeal.

[viv38]

Henrietta, I don't think you have any need to apologise, I thought your post was a good one.