[John1960]

PALATKA, Fla. - Reshane Lewis wasn't happy, sweat dripping from her face as she paraded outside the courthouse here carrying a sign reading: "I stole from a local store."

The sun beat down. For two hours, Lewis carried the red and white sign back and forth, her probation officer watching. Passersby and court employees mostly ignored her.

CANOE -- CNEWS - Weird News: In lieu of jail, some offenders must carry signs, wear chicken suits (broken link)

[macguy]

Originally Posted by John1960

PALATKA, Fla. - Reshane Lewis wasn't happy, sweat dripping from her face as she paraded outside the courthouse here carrying a sign reading: "I stole from a local store."

The sun beat down. For two hours, Lewis carried the red and white sign back and forth, her probation officer watching. Passersby and court employees mostly ignored her.

CANOE -- CNEWS - Weird News: In lieu of jail, some offenders must carry signs, wear chicken suits (broken link)

It's a punishment. I am not sure how much of a deterrent it would be. The intent of a sentence is to punish and deter. There are things called "shame exercises", such as singing in public. I would think in a short time once the person got used to the chicken suit they would think, "Hell, this isn't so bad". If they are a chronic thief it would have no effect at all.

Putting their name in the paper with their offense and leaving it there for say 60 days in a column for such things, may have more of an effect, along with a nice fine. I believe in publicizing peoples crimes, the papers should devote a whole section to it. You will never stop a real criminal, but just like locks they are designed to keep "Honest people honest" as they say, the average person would not like being known as a petty thief and have it publicized for all to see.