CJI Forum You Be the Judge: Bernie Madoff
June 29th, 2009
Sentence will be passed down today on Bernie Madoff for his multi-billion-dollar Ponzi scheme, which defrauded thousands of investors of their savings. The Madoff scandal has been called the largest investment fraud ever carried out by a single person.
The defense in the case is arguing that 12 years in prison is enough punishment for the 71-year-old Madoff, while the prosecution is aiming for a 150-year sentence that would guarantee he stays in prison for the rest of his life.
You be the judge: Are either of these sentences appropriate? What sentence would you pass? Should old age be a factor in deciding the length of a prison sentence?
