See, this assumes that the boy stole from a "store." Well, just assume that the boy stole from his mother. Or grandmother... ? You know, when it comes to family heirlooms- especially when that's about all the wealth one has- it's a serious kick in the teeth. Regardless, does it really matter to you who the boy "stole" from? While it's easier to steal from close relatives- it's also generally taboo amongst thieves, although a common denominator amongst drug-addicts.
If this was the case, making the boy stand out at the corner with this sandwich-board is akin to making him "go back to the store and apologize." But in the more common instance of family-theft, what can a mom do?
What would you have your child do if he stole from YOU? Because, believe me- the "authorities" you mention would NOT normally have him perform "community service or something constructive." That's a kiss-off to the old days, man. It's laughable.
Word! And since we don't know what this boy really did or what his background is... we can only assume this mom is doing what she can to keep her child out of the criminal element.
Hey, my son would be there too, brandishing a similar sign if he failed- at first- to grasp the gravity of his criminal ways. Because spanking them is just such a crime these days... My god. What would you all who oppose this method of punishment have this mother DO???
You would condemn her for spanking the boy, condemn her for taking away his "rights" to free speech if she barred him from his computer, condemn her for unlawful seizure-yadda-yadda...
Look, this is just a mom doing what she can, barring some twisted corporal punishment- to try and teach her boy a lesson. Happens every day, in every community aroung the globe. Only in THIS country, the media makes a case out of it on a slow news day.
Open gill, insert hook. This coverage should just sink away. This mom is, by all accounts, trying to do right by her kid and teach him right from wrong. If we can't allow parents to do that, who do we allow to do that? 50 Cent? Usher? Oh yeah. Please.