Criminal punishments vary around globe

Singapore: Vandalism is punishable in Singapore by prison terms and three to eight strokes of the cane, delivered on the buttocks with a thick rattan stick that leaves lifelong scars. In 2010, Swish national Oliver Fricker pleaded guilty to trespassing into a subway train depot and creating graffiti on a car. He got seven months in jail and three strokes of the cane.

Thailand: Thailand has some of the harshest lese majeste laws in the world, mandating a jail term of three to five years for defaming, insulting or threatening the king. Among those who have run afoul of the law is Joe Gordon, a Thai-born American sentenced to two and a half years in prison for translating a banned biography about the Thai king and posting it online. He was freed in July by a royal pardon.

Indonesia: This past year, a Muslim mob stormed a courthouse on Java and set three churches on fire to protest what they called a lenient sentence for a Christian convicted of blaspheming Islam. Antonius Richmond Bawengan was found guilty of distributing Christian books and leaflets that "spread hatred about Islam" and was sentenced to five years in prison, the maximum term.

Lebanon: In Lebanon, considered to be one of the most liberal countries in the Middle East, insulting religions or sects can lead to a prison sentence of up to three years, a law designed to protect co-existence in a country with 18 religious sects.

Palestinian authority: Anyone defaming or vilifying a president, minister, lawmaker or other high official faces up to three years in prison. Journalists and bloggers have been detained for weeks under the law, including one blogger who cursed President Mahmoud Abbas on Facebook. Her case was dropped due to public pressure just before trial. The Palestinians also have tough laws when it comes to dealing with Israel. Since the Palestinian Authority was established two decades ago, 140 people have been charged with selling West Bank land to Israel, a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Palestinian officials said it was unknown how many of them were convicted.

Saudi Arabia: Women can face arrest for driving and trying to travel abroad without the permission of their husband or male guardian. Unrelated men and woman can risk arrest for mingling in private or public.

One other rather unique rule in effect throughout much of the Gulf makes bouncing checks a criminal offense, punishable by jail time and/or deportation.

Conversation Questions

1. Are some parts of your city considered more dangerous than others? Which parts?

2. Are there problems with crime where you live?

3. Do you believe that the death penalty would prevent crime? Why / why not?

4. Have you ever been the victim of a crime? What happened? Has someone you know been the victim of a mugging?

5. Are there any legal drugs that should be illegal? If so, why?

6. Are there any illegal drugs that should be legal? If so, why?

7. Do you think there will be more or less crime in the future?

8. Do you think your country is a safe place to live? Why / why not?

9. Does prison help rehabilitate criminals? Should it?

10. Have you ever witnessed a crime?

11. Should a person who steals always be punished?

12. Is drunk driving a serious crime where you live? What is the punishment?

13. Is it ever O.K. to break the law? If so, when?

14. Do you think the legal system in your country is fair?

15. Do you think guns help prevent crime?

16. What are some things that are legal that you personally think should be illegal?

17. Has the crime rate in your country increased or decreased in recent years? Why / why not?

18. What crimes have you heard about recently in the news?

19. What kinds of crime are most common in your country? What are the penalties for these crimes?

20. Why do people commit crimes?

21. Do you the death penalty is a good idea?

22. What are the causes of terrorism?

23. Is terrorism a problem in your country?

24. Is there a lot of corruption in your country?

25. How big a problem is organised crime in your country?

26. Have you ever been to a court of law? Talk about your experience.

27. Do you think trial by jury is a good idea?

28. Describe the legal system in your country.