I would like to think that I’ve always take the influence I have
though Greater Sudbury Online very seriously. I do not publish anything
identifiable until the authorities release the names and advise that next of
kin has been contacted and given the necessary time, I do not "willy nilly" post
rumor without first confirming through reliable sources, etc. But tonight I had a
short interaction with one of our page followers over the age old
debate; should we publish the names of those accused of committing a crime?
I’ve always been of the opinion that the public has the right to
know and if “you do the crime; you do the time”. Yes, there will always be
cases where charges are dropped for whatever reason, but let’s face it, in the
majority of case (I didn’t say all) the accused is at partially guilty. Maybe I’m
“old school” but I don’t buy into a society that “gets off” on technicalities.
But is publishing those names also causing harm to their love ones and making an already difficult situation worse.
Keith, the individual I had the short interaction with on Facebook, did raise some very valid points and has provided me something to think about.
Screen shot of the conversation is available in the image gallery below.
I’d like to hear you thought on the subject; comment below.
Correction: I had indicated GSPS do not release names. That's not completely accurate, while I haven't seen any recent cases the GSPS do/have release the names of accused impaired driver. There are however more reluctant to release the names of accused in general.