According to the CNN article, Martha may play layoff card, Martha Stewart's lawyers are trying to avoid jailtime for Stewart because they argue that her absence would harm her company and lead to approximately 500 layoffs.



So the question for debate:

Is this appropriate? Should Martha Stewart be given a lesser sentence because of the layoffs that would result from her absence?

Given the fact that it was her actions that led to a prison sentence, her punishment should be INCREASED because it effects so many others. She should have realized the effect that her wrong doings would have on her company thus the employees that worked there, and take more responsibility for her actions. Should they add a monetary fine to her sentence to equal the lost wages of her employers as a result of her actions? YES.

No. She doesn't deserve a lesser sentence. If she's worried about employees, then hire someone to take over the business and go to jail like a good criminal

She needs to be taught a lesson. She did something illegal and deserves jail time. She isn't getting any special treatment

For the reasons stated above in the question – no. Though I understand there is a precedent for it, the company IS Martha, and Martha IS the company. The damage has already been done to the company, in that her image has been compromised. I doubt Martha getting a lighter sentence would make an iota of difference. And it’s not as if they could rename the company (somehow I don’t think Martha would stand for it in any case) and continue as if nothing has happened.

Now, should she get a lesser sentence (than the 20 years possible) – yes. What she did is small potatoes compared to businessmen like the Rigases ($100 million stolen from Adelphia, and their legal expenses covered by the company) or Dennis Kozlowski of Tyco ($600 million), who is also getting his legal tab paid for by the company he ripped off. Link These two have been milking the court system for the last 3 years – and then what happens? Kozlowski gets a mistrial because of some stupid old broad on the jury. What a joke. And yet Martha’s appeal for a new trial based on similar allegations failed. Link

Other than the fact she’s the kind of person that just gets most people’s hackles up, what explains the courts throwing the books at Martha?


Frankly, I am not a Martha fan. I think she’s a vain, overbearing, mean, obnoxious woman. That being said, I think she is being made an example of. $50K in that world is pocket change. If the courts are going to throw the book at Martha, then why is Ken Lay still running around free? Why are the creeps from Adelphia and Tyco still free? So, I would counter GoAmerica that she is receiving “special” treatment; “specially bad”.

I would agree that she is recieving special treatment as well- especially bad. It is quite obvious, since Martha is a dem donor, and all the folks DG mentioned are big time republican backers- that Martha is a much nicer target for "making an example" than say- GWs best buddy Ken Lay.

I am glad she is going to jail- I am just sad that she doesn't have more company!