[Julianhearn]

20 years for 77 murders, equals 3 months for each life. That also excludes all the other crimes he committed. If he knew he would get 20 years per person would he have murdered anywhere near 77 people? Plus how do the families of victims feel if their lives are only worth 3 month each?

[henrikschroder]

I'm sorry you got downvoted, but you are in a nutshell describing the vast difference in the purpose of the justice system between Northern Europe and the US.

You frame it as a question of headcount and worth and vengeance. And from that standpoint you conclude that the vengeance exacted on Breivik was not enough, given his crimes.

But over here, the purpose of punishments in the justice system is ultimately about protecting society and rehabilitating criminals. Vengeance plays no part. And if he can be a productive member of society again after rehabilitation in prison, that's better than him taking up resources as a prisoner.

[Julianhearn]

If its just about protecting society and rehabilitating why is the recommended sentence longer for murder than for say rape? The simple answer is that murder is seen as a worst crime, so you serve more time. So how can killing 77 not be worst than killing one person? There is more to the justice system than just protecting society and rehabilitation. If breivik was fully rehabilitated and no longer a threat after one year why not let him out?

[jlgreco]

> If he knew he would get 20 years per person would he have murdered anywhere near 77 people?

"In for the penny, in for the pound"?

If you get 20 for each, then after the 3rd or 4th you may as well go for as many as you want. Larger penalties don't discourage that sort of event at all.

[Julianhearn]

If you got 20 years for each one would most people even get pass one? Why is if you get 20 years for killing 1, 5, 15, 77, or 3000000 why stop at one?

[gnaffle]

Do you think he kept a head count and had set a limit beforehand based on the expected prison sentence? According to himself, he didn't expect to get out of there alive, and was prepared for life inprisonment if he did.