What should the punishment be for someone who has falsely accused an innocent person of a heinous crime they didn't commit?

[AskingToughQuestions]

No punishment at all

Punishment less than that of the accused

Punishment equal to that of the accused

Punishment greater than that of the accused

[ZamerZ]

Are we talking about actively accusing someone falsely with malicious intent or accidentally accusing someone because of unclear circumstances? Depending on the crime, I'd say it also varies what's appropriate because there are just too many nuances to generalize such a thing.

[Anonymous]

I know you're hoping for some kind of "Let's hang every woman who accuses a man of sexual assault and couldn't prove it" reply but no. I think if it can be effectively proven that the person is innocent and that they actually suffered from the accusation (depression, loss of jobs stuff like that) they should be compensated with money

[DarkLegacy]

I choose the last option because being accused of crimes such as rape and child abuse are worse then the actual crimes, just look how society perceives such people. And people don't seem to care about innocent until proven guilty anymore.

It is a modern thing to go around accuse people of such crimes.

[goaded]

Equal, but only if it is proved that the crime genuinely wasn't committed, not just acquittal or mistaken identity.

[ShesRad80]

false accusations should carry a stiffer punishment. as the person who concocted the lie is doing it in sound mind knowing the difference of right and wrong but not caring about the other persons consequences.

[scentoflavender]

If it can proven malicious, then make them reap what they sowed

[OddBeMe]

This is why the law is written by smart people. You can’t have a de facto law based on a non de facto situation.

[Imsmurter1]

Probably just some money I think. Not anything medival like options c or d

[ScisorsAndRaisins]

A greater punishment.

[Jkgordon]

Punished harder