Special Monday Post: Is Dharun Ravi's Sentence Fair?

As most of the world already knows, New Jersey Judge Glenn Berman sentenced Dharun Ravi today to 30 days in jail, 3 years of probation, and 300 hours of community service. He is also ordered to pay $10,000 to the probation department, which will use the money to help victims of bias crimes.

Mr. Ravi was found guilty of bias intimidation, witness tampering, and hindering arrest stemming from an incident where he videotaped his roommate, Tyler Clementi, having sex in their dorm room in 2010.

It appears that the judge was unimpressed with Mr. Ravi's demeanor, and many media outlets have described his courtroom behavior as aloof, unapologetic, and arrogant.

Nevertheless, Mr. Ravi's sentence was significantly lighter than the maximum potential penalty for his charges, which would have been 10 years in prison.

Do you think Dharun Ravi's sentence is fair? Why? If not, what would have been a fairer sentence? 

I have posted a polling question on this topic at my Facebook site. Click here to vote: www.facebook.com/drmaxwachtel.

Thanks for reading-- Max Wachtel, Ph.D.

www.CherryCreekPsychology.com

www.Facebook.com/drmaxwachtel

www.Twitter.com/mwachtel

Posted in: bias,Dharun Ravi,sentence