Thank you, Wal-Mart !

[Cyrus]

[ QUOTE ]
"We absolutely disagree with their findings," [Wal-Mart's lawyer] said of the jury's verdict. He conceded that Wal-Mart made mistakes in not always allowing for lunch breaks when the 2001 law took affect, but said the company is "100 percent" in compliance now.

[/ QUOTE ]
This is an argument often used by persons and corporations - and I think it's funny that the courts do take into account. Does the fact that the defendant stopped breaking the law before the matter came to court mitigates the accusation?

E.g. RAPE
-- Ah, Your Honor, my client wishes to concede that he..uhh made a mistake a year ago in uhh... donating his sperm to available uhhh.. females of the uh...opposite sex but NOW, Your Honor, he most definitely does NOT do that no more.
-- I see. Well, in that case I think we can release the defendant- Yes, officer?
-- Your Honor, the defendant was in jail waiting trial.

Etc.