Soap
A young boy is caught stealing soap from the local soap factory. When the case comes to court the judge decides to make an example of him to discourage other youths from a life of crime.
Judge: “Well, what have you to say in your defence?”
Boy: “Only that I’m sorry your honour.”
Judge: “Hrmph. I sentence you to 10 years hard labour, starting immediately.”
Boy: “But sir, it was only a few bars of cheap soap!”
Judge: “Consider yourself lucky! — it could have been Life, Boy.”