Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Didn’t California effectively legalise shoplifting?

That seems objectively pro-crime.



They raised the monetary amount that would push a crime from a misdemeanor to a felony. They raised it from $400 to $950.

This was widely touted in conservative circles as practically legalizing shoplifting since prosecution is less likely for misdemeanors.

The raise moves California from the 2nd lowest threshold (New Jersey is $200) to the 10th lowest. The states with the highest thresholds, and therefore the most pro-shoplifting according to conservative logic, are:

  $2500 Texas and Wisconsin
  $2000 Colorado, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina
  $1500 Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland,
        Montana, Nebraska, Rhode Island and Utah


Your claim is very misleading. Those states have other laws and allow aggregating theft occurances below those thresholds mentioned.


So does California.


By that logic, any reduction in punishment for a crime is "pro crime." On the contrary, reducing the maximum fine for speeding is not "pro speeding," and eliminating the death penalty for murder is not "pro murder."


Did it? If so, why does anyone pay for things in California shops? This idea is prima facie absurd.


I have you tagged as someone who claimed January 6th was overblown.

Maybe you shouldn't be lecturing anyone else about what qualifies as a crime.


This kind of belief should make one stop and think about one's information diet.




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2026 batch! Applications are open till July 27.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: