Should this womans past matter?

[Losty]

Her past actions are absolutely relevant.

I guess we have to file that under distinction between Americans and Europeans. At least where values are concerned. Noone should be automatically found guilty for their past.

Of course not. There's a big difference between someone's past being relevant and someone automatically being guilty because of their past.

I don't think you have a firm grasp on the American justice system

Well, I kind of think to have. That's why I don't like it. It seems medieval. I'm not all bleeding heart, but I'm certainly not in the autómatically brand them camp either.

My point was, sadly, our justice system doesn't work that way. I haven't the time to look up stats but it's easy to say that most offenders will be repeat offenders, and likely many will commit worse crimes after being imprisoned for their first crime. I agree with you that the American justice system sucks. But that doesn't change the fact that serving your time doesn't mean you're now safe and trust worthy citizen in America. And it most certainly doesn't negate that in this circumstance a woman killed her children and is now not seeking medical treatment. Her past is very relevant and it should be considered along with current things like her not being treated.