A magistrate in the Local Court hears the following four shoplifting cases on the

same day, what are fair punishments for the following cases and what are equal
punishments for the cases?
1. Jenny (under 16) steals a bottle of soft drink, for the fun of it
EQUAL: Receive the same punishment as if she was 18 years old for the theft
of an item of that value most likely a fine. Because this is an equal
statement, for the theft of a bottle of that value, however this does not take
into account that she committed the offense for no particular reason or for
fun.
FAIR: Fine her for a significant amount so as she is not influenced to act again,
no criminal record as she is under 16.
2. Frances (under 16) steals a shirt, pleads not guilty.
EQUAL: The judiciary would then sentence her guilty, given the evidence and
then fine her or give her a short term jail sentence, for lying under oath, theft
and wasting court time, depending how these offense stand in the court of
law.
FAIR: Try to understand why she lied under oath, if there are any more
mitigating circumstances, such as she was misled by her lawyer otherwise,
sentence her guilty for theft and wasting court time and perhaps use the
maximum sentence for the theft of a item of that value.
3. Terry, homeless, pleads guilty to stealing medication tablets for a
headache.
EQUAL: Treat the financial situation with no regard and sentence him for the
theft of narcotics.
FAIR: Treat the financial situation with regard to the case and possibly charge
them with a community service