[Mechanical9]

I've seen that too. IMO, neither "direction" is what matters here. Both cases are failures to apply justice appropriately. It's tiring that efforts to reform always seem to be led by people who are either "tough" or "soft" on crime.

[mongol]

Exactly. There is a balance, and when you suggest society should go in a certain direction, some are quick to assume that you mean to take it to the extreme.