At out club meeting last Wednesday our “activity” was laid on by Past President, Rtn. Frank Hawkins JP and involved club members in the sentencing of two criminals in a mock trial.
This proved an interesting and challenging evening and everybody had different ideas as to what the sentence should be. Frank explained how to interpret the crime in relation to guilt, seriousness, mitigation, and the character of the individuals “standing in the dock” and how to determine sentencing within the guidelines laid down by the Government. At the end of our evening our fictitious defendants were each given sentences that combined an appropriate punishment as well as an element of rehabilitation.
As can be seen from the concentration evident in the pictures, the exercise was engaging and complex, to the degree that our meeting went beyond our normal time. President Rita thanked Frank and fellow Rotarians for such an enjoyable and thought provoking evening.