03/09/2026
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In a crowded courtroom, a 15 year old boy stood trembling, his head down. He had been caught stealing,,, not silver, not gold, but a bundle of bread and a little cheese. When the stores guard tried to stop him he resisted and in the jostling, a shelf broke.
The judge looked at him and asked softly:
βHave you really stolen these things? Β»
βYes, sir,β murmured the boy.
βWhy? Β»
βBecause I needed it. Β»
βYou could have bought them. Β»
βI didnβt have money. Β»
βThen ask your family. Β»
βI have only my mother, sir... she is sick and unemployed. The bread and cheese were for her. Β»
The room became silent.
The judge asked again:
βYou donβt work? Β»
βI wash cars, sir... but I took leave today to take care of my mother. Β»
βHave you asked someone for help? Β»
βIβve begged since the morning... no one has helped me. Β»
The judge knocked himself in his chair. His eyes softened and after a moment of silence he read his verdict:
βTheft, especially theft of bread, is a serious crime. But today, everyone here in this court is responsible for this theft, including me.
For if a child has to steal food for his sick mother, then we, as a society, have failed. Β»
Then, to the general surprise, he announced:
βI fine every person here, including myself, for allowing hunger to exist in our city. No one will leave this room until they have paid. Β»
He dropped 10 dollars off his own pocket on the table. And the judge continued:
βI impose a 1 000 dollar fine on the store owner for handing over a hungry child to the police instead of feeding him. If this amount is not paid within 24 hours, the court will order the store to be closed.