LAJ 459: Current Issues

Essay Questions

Answers to the essay questions should be at least two paragraphs long, each. Please be sure to cite to, and reference, the text and any applicable additional sources.

1. In the 19th century, noble-prize winning author Anatole France stated, "the law in all its

majesty draws no distinctions among people but forbids the rich and poor alike from

begging on the streets and sleeping in the public parks." In the 2005 case of United States

v. Hawkins, the deciding federal judge stated, "pure retribution, or 'just deserts,' ignores

the handicapping effect of social, economic, and natural deprivation." Please explain

what is meant by these statements. What deductions can be drawn from the fact that such

similar statements could be made two centuries apart.