This does not seem like justice to me. Are people actually okay with this? I feel like this is something we'd read about the king doing in the medieval ages and grimace while being glad we live in a "civilized" society.
What if he's lying? The state might lose out on some old artifacts. There is also ample opportunity and time for authorities to investigate and track this man and the stolen coins as he will be watched like a hawk until they are recovered.
What if he's telling the truth? An innocent man is having his entire life taken away. This is a worse punishment than for anything short of first degree murder.
Some gold coins vs a human being's life. The choice seems easy to me and it's bewildering that it's not easy for others as well.
What if he's lying? The state might lose out on some old artifacts. There is also ample opportunity and time for authorities to investigate and track this man and the stolen coins as he will be watched like a hawk until they are recovered.
What if he's telling the truth? An innocent man is having his entire life taken away. This is a worse punishment than for anything short of first degree murder.
Some gold coins vs a human being's life. The choice seems easy to me and it's bewildering that it's not easy for others as well.