I'm not so sure Australia takes it's laws seriously.

[Guntrader]

Guy walks into Dominoes, puts a gun to a pizza counterman's head, has him kneel begging for his life.
Most serious charge was possession of the handgun and he only got a year.
Guns fault.

http://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairn ... 1499889386

Willich, a builder, pleaded guilty to charges of common assault, deprivation of liberty and possessing a shortened firearm in a public place, as well as unrelated drug charges.

Under Queensland law, Willich must spend at least 12 months in jail because of the weapons charge.

The court was told Mr Ramsay significantly affected by the attack. He has not be able to return to work, he had nightmares, paranoia and has been diagnosed with post traumatic distress disorder.

Mr Comans said the legislation clearly demonstrated how serious it was to possess a shortened weapon in public.

[skey]

Almost sounds like a Seattle Times article with the penalties around here.

[RockHopper]

Kind of makes me wonder if Aussies still have "hard labor" in they're system?

[deadshot2]

Australia is having the same problem as here in the US. Prisons are overcrowded and the courts have responded to public outcry over previous leniency on violent offenses.

Now the prisons are overcrowded and prison officers are being assaulted at a high rate.

Saw a documentary on Australia's prisons a while back. Just like here, the inmates run the joint(s). Of course Australia outlawed the Death Penalty many decades ago.

[Guntrader]

My main point was that in their eyes the evil handgun was responsible, and that the psychotic violent criminal was merely a poor victim of drugs, alcohol, and mental illness.

"Defence solicitor Paul Richardson handed up two comprehensive reports about his client, which described Willich has having narcissistic personality traits, high alcoholism and a depressive disorder.

Mr Richardson argued that Willich should be released after the 12 months.