阅读理解
Last month, James Connolly, a junior at the University of Massachusetts, stood in front of a local
police station wearing a toga (长袍) as punishment.
His crime? He was charged with underage drinking, illegal possession of alcohol and too much noise
while holding a party.
This shaming punishment has increased in the US in recent years, mostly imposed (强加) by local
judges for less－serious crimes, such as drunk driving and theft.
They believe shame is the best petty crime deterrent (威慑). For example, in Tennessee, Judge James McKenzie has made shoplifters stand outside Wal－Mart with signs that read, "I am a thief put here by
order of Judge McKenzie."
"Alternative punishments like community service and fines don't convey moral condemnation of the
criminal," said Dan Kahan, a University of Chicago Law School professor, in an article published on the
university's website. "They aren't shameful enough."
Supporters of shaming punishment argue that public shaming is a good way of expressing community
values. Some judges say shamed offenders seldom repeat their crimes.
Others aren't so sure. "There is little evidence to suggest that shaming punishments are successful in
preventing people from committing specific crimes. And a shamed criminal may face a hard battle to
regain trust in society," said Hosmanek. "So, a shaming punishment may force the offender into more
crimes to support himself."
1. According to the passage, wearing a toga in public is a(n)________.
A. honour
B. shame
C. duty
D. crime
2. Connolly was punished for________.
A. shoplifting
B. drunk driving
C. serious crimes
D. petty crimes
3. Which of the following is the most effective in preventing petty crimes according to Professor Kahan?
A. Getting a fine for what one has done.
B. Apologizing to the police for one's wrongdoing.
C. Holding a sign in public that announces one’s own crime.
D. Being forced to work for the community without being paid.
4. According to Hosmanek, shamed criminals are more likely to commit new crimes because________.
A. it's difficult for them to find a job
B. they no longer have a sense of shame
C. there's too much fighting in society
D. they do not want to do any work
5. This passage is mainly about________.
A. crime deterrent
B. alternative punishments
C. shaming punishment
D. community values
