For once, I can be quite unequivocal about an issue. Whatever the cause of a young person being involved in the recent disorder (criminality, anger, simply being caught up in the hysteria) they are more likely to suffer permanent damage if they are identified. The public good - the public interest - is in enabling these young people to put their crimes behind them and become good members of society. Of course, not all young criminals will reform, and there will still be anger about the lack of opportunities and jobs, but things will only be made worse by public vilification. And imagine what it is like for a family being door-stepped by TV and radio, the broadsheets and the tabloids - not likely, I think, to build their confidence in social institutions.
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