http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2821139.stm :(

Don't most US states and the Federal Government already have similar laws that require automatic forfeiture of vehicles and property utilized in the commission of a crime - such as drug dealing or prostitution - even if the perpetrator isn't the owner?

Jim.

And floggings? I don't think so.

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Paul D

I was referring to your subject -"Your wife commits the crime you do the time?" - not the specific punishment inflicted upon this individual.

Jim.

Still a world of difference. The Western principle you refer to is that in a family situation (legalised or defacto) there is a plurality of ownership of property, even if that property is in one person's name, and follows the overlying principle that a criminal should not benefit for his crime, therefore it is appropriate to confiscate any materials possessions gained as a result of that crime.
The principle under which Mr Thomas is being detained and flogged is that his wife is his property, and he is therefore responsible for each and every one of her actions. The only thing Mr Thomas has had confiscated is his liberty - no material property.

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Paul D

I started to write a rebuttal but I'm not going to bother. Neither of us is likely to change his opinion of the US law, nor of it's similarity in principle to the travesty in Saudi Arabia.

Jim.

Why rebut? Do you have that low an opinion of US law?

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Paul D

>The principle under which Mr Thomas is being detained and
>flogged is that his wife is his property, and he is
>therefore responsible for each and every one of her actions.
>The only thing Mr Thomas has had confiscated is his liberty

Not only that, but it seems as though they're assuming that it's impossible for a wife to do something without the husband's knowledge. And once you assume that, the husband must have been aiding her (if only by not reporting her actions). Thus he is guilty.

Now how many husbands here know every single thing their wife does?

Mind you, it has taken Howard 5 months and a public outcry to get off his butt and do anything. For once the press is beating up something worthwhile.

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Paul D