Quote:It cost the government $3000 to collect the $290 fine.


So the private company saved the Government a total of -$2710.  Which would be about 6 weeks of pay for a clerk to sit there (assuming they don't do anything else) and come up with a payment plan, and check up on them.  Putting them into community service would cost even less.


I'm a big fan of community service.  I feel most misdemeanors that don't result in jail time should offer Community Service as a punishment over fines.  That way it doesn't adversely affect the poor.  

Yeah but they made a profit even after losing the government money. We like free enterprising people that make profits....

 

The bigger problem isn't even the ever increasing fines. As pointed out in the Oliver bit, the problem is that the fines on top of original amount, are in a lot of cases the only reason some municipalities are getting enough revenue. It's a systemic problem that points to clear corruption and abuse of those that are the worst off to begin with.

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