The concept of atonement

[Silver]

If someone does something really bad, illegal according to the law bad, is there anything that individual can do to atone for his crime? Is there anything the individual can say or do to alter your perception of him being a bad person? Let us delve slightly further with a related question: does one mistake have to stick with the individual in your mind where you will always consider him a bad person?

(Upon reflection, this is probably better suited for a philosophy thread. A mod can move it if s/he deems it necessary.)