Midwest Chick's Place

(A.K.A. Non-Original Rants)

–Co-opting good stuff from all over the ‘Net and maybe some original thoughts—ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒE

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Old Norse ideas rewritten in the modern age

 The states of Tennessee and Texas are bringing back the practice of weregild in cases where the parents of minor children are killed by drunk drivers.

I think this is a spectacular idea and am sorry that the practice of weregild faded away in the 12th century.

It certainly brings the consequences home to an offender.  If you killed someone, there were immediate, personal consequences.  This is the equivalent of a killer having to work a family’s farm and replace the person they offed.

People who are the victims of drunk drivers, even when there’s no death, have to bear the brunt of the aftermath–taking off work, doctors’ appointments, etc. While the offender goes about their life.

For the drivers themselves, even if they go to jail, there’s no personal connection to their crime.  This makes it much more personal–especially when you have to write those checks every month.

Reject modernity, embrace tradition.

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Midwest Chick

  1. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Not sure this will survive a court challenge….

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  2. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Not sure this will actually work. It seems to be like getting deadbeat dads/ moms to pay child support. On paper good but the getting the buttheads to pay is another thing indeed.How about just amputating the right leg at the hip?

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  3. Avatar
    Anonymous

    This is done in Japan even today.

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  4. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Deadbeat dads can/do lose all licenses, drivers, business and hunting/fishing, plus can also look forward to jail time if they get too far in arears or are habitual offenders.

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  5. Avatar
    Anonymous

    It may not be perfect. There will be penniless deadbeats, but they will have to STAY poor to dodge this. Those with money, or the ability to earn it after conviction/jail, will pay. Some recompense, some times, beats none. It's a judgement that survives a child reaching maturity, too- so the child can collect years later, after the jail term, after the drunk recovers and starts earning again. And, yeah, there will be legal challenges, but on what grounds? Why WON'T it withstand a challenge? In Tn, at least, those things were considered and anticipated. It's a penalty prescribed by law.

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  6. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Matthew–Maybe, or maybe not. Can only hope.Gerry–At least they'd be on the hook.Anon 1:03pm–I did not know that! Thanks!Mike-Good point. Might get habitual reoffenders off the streets.Anon 2:26–I hope it takes hold and survives any challenges.

    Like

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  7. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Not sure this will survive a court challenge….

    Like

    Reply
  8. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Not sure this will actually work. It seems to be like getting deadbeat dads/ moms to pay child support. On paper good but the getting the buttheads to pay is another thing indeed.How about just amputating the right leg at the hip?

    Like

    Reply
  9. Avatar
    Anonymous

    This is done in Japan even today.

    Like

    Reply
  10. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Deadbeat dads can/do lose all licenses, drivers, business and hunting/fishing, plus can also look forward to jail time if they get too far in arears or are habitual offenders.

    Like

    Reply
  11. Avatar
    Anonymous

    It may not be perfect. There will be penniless deadbeats, but they will have to STAY poor to dodge this. Those with money, or the ability to earn it after conviction/jail, will pay. Some recompense, some times, beats none. It's a judgement that survives a child reaching maturity, too- so the child can collect years later, after the jail term, after the drunk recovers and starts earning again. And, yeah, there will be legal challenges, but on what grounds? Why WON'T it withstand a challenge? In Tn, at least, those things were considered and anticipated. It's a penalty prescribed by law.

    Like

    Reply
  12. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Matthew–Maybe, or maybe not. Can only hope.Gerry–At least they'd be on the hook.Anon 1:03pm–I did not know that! Thanks!Mike-Good point. Might get habitual reoffenders off the streets.Anon 2:26–I hope it takes hold and survives any challenges.

    Like

    Reply

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