The negotiations between Germany's two biggest parties bring up the odd topic every few days.
The latest one appears more interesting to us than, say, extending the use of DNA for large scale sweeps in law enforcement.
The one today is about using that most German symbol of personal liberty, the driver's licence, in ways unrelated to driving and personal transportation. The ruling conservatives have tabled a proposal to let courts use suspension or withdrawal of driver's licences as penalty in cases completely unrelated to any traffic issues.
The reason advanced is to give the courts an alternative to fines in cases "where the fine is not much of a punishment because of the suspect's sound financial situation". Are we the only people who find this argument utterly disingenuous?
Other than the fertile theoretical base for inventing all sorts of new punishments? Like take away the internet connection from someone who steals a loaf of bread.
You don't even have a driver's licence, hm, how can we make it harder for you to get around and hold down a job? You are hereby ordered to turn in all shoes and socks and not get within 200 feet of any store that sells shoes or socks for six months. Don't even think about cardboard and duct tape. Get used to the nickname Barefoot Bandit. Oh, you are mad that you will be without shoes in the winter? Time your petty crime better, if you must repeat.
Three strikes, and we'll have your foot.
Egregious enough, the legal proposal comes at a time when Germany has reduced the age for youngsters to start studying for their car licence. The German licence is extremely expensive and, depending on how they suspend or revoke it, you may have to start from scratch if you want one later.
Well, if the proposal is implemented despite criticism from the legal profession, maybe someone will offer a foot.
Medical care is still pretty decent in Germany, which means losing a foot and getting a prosthesis will be way cheaper than having to attend driving school all over.
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