Nightline's Daily Line
Behind the Scenes at Nightline: Sneak Peeks, Updates, and Observations

« Previous | Main | Next »

Closing Arguments: Bernie Behind Bars

June 29, 2009 11:39 PM

Nm_madoff_court_090629_mn As we reported tonight, disgraced financier Bernard Madoff today was sentenced to the maximum of 150 years in prison.

U.S. District Court Judge Denny Chin said that considering the enormity of Madoff's crime, he both wanted to punish him and send a message to would-be copycats.

Madoff's defense attorney had argued for just a 12-twelve year sentence, urging the court to not get swept up in a mob mentality.

The 71-year-old Madoff will almost certainly die in prison.

So tonight, we ask you: Was Judge Chin's sentence the right one? 

Tell us what you think.

You can follow "Nightline" anytime on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Nightline.

June 29, 2009 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (1)

User Comments

Feed You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.

Yes, it was the right message -- unless the sentence imposed provides grounds for an appeal. I'm not sure if a judge is supposed to mete out a "symbolic" sentence.

Posted by: Gary B. | Jul 8, 2009 1:27:51 PM

Post a comment