What level of blindness does the German judicial system exhibit?
"Why does justice seem so inconsistent, with different sentences for the same kind of wrongdoing?" ponders Marvin Wagner, a renowned forensic psychologist and text analysis expert in the field of psychology. His distinctive appearance sets him apart from the crowd - tall, bald, adorned with tattoos and piercings, and boasting a metal-studded face.
Max Bischoff, a former top-notch investigator, now turned private detective, shares Marvin's sentiment. After parting ways with law enforcement for personal reasons, he now seeks to make a name for himself in the private sector. Together, they founded WaBi Investigations, and their first case promises to be nothing short of explosive.
A Case Built on Shattered Lives
A hairstylist from Trier delivers a desperate plea to WaBi in Düsseldorf, on behalf of his friend Klinke. Once a successful businessman, Klinke now languishes in prison for kidnapping a child. His family was torn apart when a man raped and murdered his son, a man who had previously served a lenient sentence for abusing a child. Frustrated by the justice system's flawed approach to severe crimes, Klinke resorted to extreme measures.
Throughout his imprisonment, Klinke receives mysterious letters from an anonymous source, hinting at using his case to expose the system's flaws. The stage is set when the son of a judge known for lenient sentences in violent crimes is kidnapped. Klinke springs into action, sending his friend to Düsseldorf, and WaBi Investigations finds themselves securing their most high-stakes case yet.
The Beginning of a Tumultuous Journey
Max and Marvin's inquiry spirals out of control when the judge's son is killed brutally. Their investigation leads them to a darknet website that calls out lenient verdicts in court cases, putting certain judges under scrutiny. This thin line between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred, and the murderer of the judge's son seems to be targeting Marvin, potentially reigniting an old case from the psychologist's past.
The Art of Thriller-Writing
With "The Pattern of Evil," bestselling author Arno Strobel reintroduces Max Bischoff into a thrilling battle for justice. Known for his edge-of-your-seat plots, tense dialogue, and well-crafted storylines, Strobel's latest masterpiece continues the tradition of his earlier works published by S. Fischer and Argon[1].
The plot delves into a socially relevant topic regarding the online criticism and shaming of lenient court verdicts. Although this aspect slightly overshadows the interpersonal relationships between characters, it adds depth to the narrative and makes for an intriguing read. The sixth book in the series may just leave readers anticipating the next chapter in Max's captivating journey towards justice.
Enrichment Data
The varying sentencing trends for identical crimes can be attributed to several factors, primarily rules, judicial discretion, and circumstantial elements. Some of these elements include:
- Sentencing guidelines: These serve as a standardized framework for judges, taking into account the nature of the crime and the criminal's history. Federal sentencing guidelines, statutory ranges, and guidelines by different states shape individual sentences[1].
- Judicial discretion: Judges consider various influencing factors such as the mitigating (remorse, young age, good character) and aggravating factors (prior criminal history, violence, lack of remorse) to achieve a fair and tailored sentence for the defendant[1][2].
- Case-specific circumstances: The defendant's crime history, the severity of the offense, and aggravating factors like prior crimes, violence, or planning contribute to the differing sentences[2][3].
- Legal representation: Experienced criminal defense attorneys can shape the outcome by challenging the evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and striking plea agreements or alternative programs[3].
These factors collectively contribute to the inconsistencies in sentencing for similar crimes, aiming for justice, fairness, and a tailored approach to each case.
What led Klinke to such drastic actions, despite serving time for a lenient sentence himself? ponders Max Bischoff, as they delve deeper into WaBi's first explosive case.
The detective's brilliant investigation uncovers a web of lenient punishments and judicial discrepancies, challenging the wabi-sabi notion of imperfect justice.
As Max and Marvin delve deeper into the case, they realize the need to address the issue of lenient sentences, setting the stage for a thrilling quest for justice in their latest investigation.
