[Risky Schemer]

Absolutely. I mean, who goes to jail without packing at least one Armani suit? And don't give me that "that t-shirt is all he owned" excuse -- poverty is no excuse for dressing poorly!

You can't dress trashy and expect due process and Constitutional rights. Constitutional rights come with good grooming and fine clothing!

[ForOurFuture]

poverty is no excuse for dressing poorly!

Interesting.

[ForOurFuture]

poverty is no excuse for dressing poorly!

Ah!! Sarcasm.

[Labyrinthos]

You can't dress trashy and expect due process and Constitutional rights. Constitutional rights come with good grooming and fine clothing!

I bet you believe that the Constitution ought to be strickly construed in accordance with its written word and the intent of its drafters, rather than the whim of liberal judges who legislate from the bench... BTW, where exactly does the Constitution specify that Due Process is only available to criminal defendants who have "good grooming and fine clothing"?

[Kevin Curry]

This was a restitution hearing--not a criminal proceeding. Apparently the criminal proceeding had already been completed, and I am sure the young man was represented by a court-appointed attorney there at taxpayer expense.

Now what do you propose--that the state pay $10,000 to represent the kid in a $4,000 restitution hearing? If not, do you suggest he just be left off? Thousands of citizens are sued everyday for things for which they cannot afford to hire lawyer. Should the state hire lawyers for them on the public dime?

Maybe these hearings sought to be more informal, but then you'd be complaining that due process requires a certain formality.

Crimes have consequences--costly consequences. Is it or is it not fair to visit those costs back on the offender?