Zero Tolerance and Public Shaming Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Zero Tolerance and Public Shaming - Essay Example However, public shaming, especially for crimes by the powerful who are public office bearers such as Members of Parliament, can be very effective in reducing crime or any other related bad practice since they ought to be accountable to the members of the public which they will be representing. Statistics show that about 14 percent of the Australian economy is a shadow economy that involves multiple criminal offences meant to evade the payment of company tax, payroll tax as well as personal income tax and it stands to reason that zero tolerance, in this case, will condemn about 14 percent of the Australian population to the prison which would be counterproductive to the economy of the nation as a whole. At least less tough measures would be advocated in such crimes of this magnitude which aim to generate preventive measures to such kind of problems. Zero tolerance will create a population of rule following people who always fear prosecution instead of allowing them to think systematically as team players with regards to problem prevention. In cases of organized crime such as genocide, zero tolerance would only punish minnows while the big sharks can get off the hook with impunity. It can be noted that zero tolerance to crime either by the powerless or the powerful is not a very effective remedy that can totally put an end to criminal activities. To a certain extent, public naming and shaming are stigmatizing especially if it involves juveniles who are underage. By shaming these in the public, they would end up feeling alienated from their respective communities and would even behave as criminals as a result of the labeling perspective attached to them. With regards to public office holders, public but respectful naming and shaming can be effective in attempting to make these officials accountable to the people they serve. Powerful office bearers often employ the services of public relations experts to counter any negative story about their official conduct.