Sunday, December 14, 2008

S Korea parents fined over rape



source: BBC

A South Korean court has fined the parents of a teenage rapist more than $60,000 (£40,000) for failing to supervise their son.

The 18-year-old, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, raped a local seven-year-old girl in 2006.

The court said the boy had grown up watching pornography and had imitated a film he had seen, during the attack.

It said his parents could have prevented the crime with appropriate education, but neglected their duty.

The teenager is serving a 10-year sentence for the rape, but a court in Seoul ruled that his parents were also liable for his crime.


I don't know if I agree with this or not. The 18-year old already got 10 years in prison and was sentenced as an adult. The parents probably already suffered with both this guilty verdict and spent money in the criminal trial to help their son. Why is the victim's family so greedy over this incident? The accused is already in jail, getting more money out of it doesn't change the fact the girl was raped.

And what responsibility does the parents really have? I'd like to hear from parents here. Do you watch your child 24/7 when they're 18? If you son did something illegal, do you feel you are responsible for it too and must pay a fine?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm a parent of two.

I think it's hard for me to say whether I agree or disagree without knowing the facts. If he had prior related incidents or convictions and the parents encouraged him to flout the system, then I think they should be responsible. Other than that, one really has very little control of your kids' personalities; parents act only as a guide.

Degenerasian said...

I agree what parents are only a guide and would never wish for their child to hurt anyone else.
Parents are often crushed, even suicidal, when the child goes to jail. Why pile on with a fine?

Anonymous said...

I think there is partial responsibility of the parent, but also to the community. At what age was he exposed to (violent?) pornography? How did he get access, etc...

The money may have been better spent on public education of such delicate subjects.