Any justice system needs to maintain a reputation for impartiality, fairness, etc.
Taking money to alter the records of those who would oherwise be convictered is corrupt. Using a position of trust to benefit personally is not only corrupt, but undermines public trust the law needs to operate effectively.
As with most sentencing we need to separate the the actions from the impact - eg:
- drunk driving is punished normally by fines and a ban. The same action resulting in a death usually carries a custodial sentence
- minor shoplifting by a member of the public - small fine, criminal record. Te same action by a police officer leads to dismissal
As a warning to others the sentence is probably justified!
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