The theory of optimal fines
A Swiss court has slapped a wealthy speeder with a chalet-sized fine — a full $290,000.
Judges at the cantonal court in St. Gallen, in eastern Switzerland, based the record-breaking fine on the speeder's estimated wealth of over $20 million.
A statement on the court's Web site says the driver — a repeat offender — drove up to 35 miles an hour (57 kilometers an hour) faster than the 50-mile-an-hour (80-kilometer-an-hour) limit.
Here is the full article and I thank Daniel Lippman for the pointer.
via Marginal Revolution: The theory of optimal fines.
This one is for ….. We need a law for this. We need to base the fines/court fees/other applicable fees of a person dependent on his/her ability to pay, with a minimum amount for people who can’t pay of course. But just think about it. how often do we see the rich and powerful doing things that we ordinary mortals dare not do. Although this would probably be just another cash cow for the unscrupulous and corrupt. We could dream.