we have two perspectives, here.

1. punish the fuckers to the full extent, with the full understanding that it will have consequences, for the purposes of holding to a set of principles. this perspective demands fire & brimstone, and doesn't care what happens, so long as the evildoers are properly smitten. then they call that "justice".

2. look at the situation critically, and try to come up with a compromise that best suits everybody's interests. this perspective allows for leniency and second chances, while insisting that enumerated damages be compensated for, and lessons be properly learned. this is better referred to using terms like "restitution".

which option is "conservative", and which one is "liberal"?

we're collectively failing this test...

we don't know our right from left, any more.