Irish Examiner view: Differing tariffs for crimes of violence

Society will come under threat if citizens begin to feel that the scales are fixed in favour of the transgressor

Natasha O'Brien was knocked unconscious by Cathal Crotty after she asked him to stop shouting homophobic abuse.  Picture: Eamon Ward

For those who like to draw their lessons from popular culture it is worth noting an observation from Alexander Hamilton whose eponymous musical in his honour made its bow 10 years ago.

“The first duty of society” said Hamilton, “is justice.”