A €700,000 Speeding Fine: Could This Be the Future of Fair Punishment?

A Divided Opinion

Supporters of income-based fines argue that justice should be equal in impact, not just in form. They believe it promotes fairness and accountability — that those with greater means should bear proportionally greater responsibility.

Opponents, however, call it class-based punishment, claiming it unfairly targets success and discourages hard work. They argue that laws should treat everyone the same, regardless of income — a speeding offense should cost the same for everyone who breaks the law. The debate forces us to confront an uncomfortable question: is equality about sameness — or about balance?