Some fines exist primarily as revenue streams for local government and have no business existing for anyone, rich or poor. They typically target victimless "crimes" like not wearing a seatbelt and often have automated enforcement techniques with sketchy legality.
Other fines are a nuisance tax, like parking fines or littering fines. I see no problem with them being relatively low for everyone. If someone is so broke that $5 is pushing them over the edge, that sucks, but the core problem there isn't the fine.
Other fines exist as restorative justice: Ie. if you damage something you have to pay to fix it, or pay for the damage control. These are perfectly fine and I see no reason why anyone should be allowed to pay more or less depending on how productive they are the rest of the time. If a rich guy rear ends your shitmobile, should he have to pay you $5 million? If a broke nigger does it, should he only owe you $5?
* Some fines exist primarily as revenue streams for local government and have no business existing for anyone, rich or poor. They typically target victimless "crimes" like not wearing a seatbelt and often have automated enforcement techniques with sketchy legality.
* Other fines are a nuisance tax, like parking fines or littering fines. I see no problem with them being relatively low for everyone. If someone is so broke that $5 is pushing them over the edge, that sucks, but the core problem there isn't the fine.
* Other fines exist as restorative justice: Ie. if you damage something you have to pay to fix it, or pay for the damage control. These are perfectly fine and I see no reason why anyone should be allowed to pay more or less depending on how productive they are the rest of the time. If a rich guy rear ends your shitmobile, should he have to pay you $5 million? If a broke nigger does it, should he only owe you $5?
(post is archived)