Neil Purvis

Has there ever been any evidence to suggest that punishing paedophiles is a cause of prevention? I thought it was one of those crimes that was more a case of people acting on urges and impulses rather than worrying about being caught.

Retro

This is far too late on a friday afternoon to go to too many lengths, so I'll blurt out my initial reaction.

I agree with one or two aspects of that. But where I find my issue is how you're viewing the act of downloading child porn as being an act independent of culpability.

First, to use your analogy. The women used in lesbian porn are consenting adults - although laws can vary I believe from country to country, they must be at least 18. This is the age the law has deemed they can make a decision on whether their consent.

The issue with child pornography is that the child has either not consented at all, or they have been manipulated/exploited to perform.

In simplest terms, the video itself is illegal and therefore to view the video is also illegal. Then in addition to this, there is the possibility that people will pay to view this kind of material and therefore the viewer is subsidising an illegal activity.

None of these things are the same as watching normal porn which is legal. Even if we take it at the most basic level - Langham knew that the material he was viewing was outside the boundaries of the law - and so he knew he was committing a crime.

That's probably garbled but meh.

TheCranker

I agree it's a crime but not a particularly serious one.

Fat Bhoy Tim

A girl can consent at 16, but stick a camcorder in her face and she loses the right to consent till she's 18. Just to muddy the waters further.

Seems odd to me.

Retro

Well yes, I agree. I'm merely explaining that it isn't the same as downloading normal porn.

However, his behaviour is repugnant to most people in our society and whether others think that's fair or not... he will be an outcast.

Retro

That's an old argument though isn't it: similarly raised in The Young Ones.

"How is it that I can join the army, have sex with the female of my choice... but I cannot drink in pubs... eh?"

san

Well yes, I agree. I'm merely explaining that it isn't the same as downloading normal porn.

</BLOCKQUOTE>

No. But it's not that different either.

Retro

I'm not banging my head against a brick wall twice today so I shall leave it at that.

Fat Bhoy Tim

That's an old argument though isn't it: similarly raised in The Young Ones.

"How is it that I can join the army, have sex with the female of my choice... but I cannot drink in pubs... eh?" </BLOCKQUOTE>

In the US once again they're asking how men can be expected to serve (and die) for their country, but not have a drink.

Retro

See - years ahead of it's time. That was the very first episode too.