1. On October 15, 2009, in Fort Collins, Colorado, the parents of a six-year-old boy, Falcon Henne, claimed that he had floated away in a homemade helium balloon that was shaped to resemble a silver flying saucer. Some in the media referred to the incident as "Balloon Boy."
The authorities had closed down Denver International Airport, called in the National Guard, and a police pursuit ensued. After an hour-long flight that covered more than 50 miles across three counties, the empty balloon was found near the airport. It was later determined that the boy was hiding in the house all along in an incident that was a hoax and motivated by publicity that might lead to a reality television show. The authorities blamed the father, Richard, for the incident and decided to prosecute him.
Richard Heene pleaded guilty on November 13, 2009, to the felony count of falsely influencing authorities. He pled to protect his wife, Mayumi, a Japanese citizen, who he believed may have been deported if Richard was convicted of a more serious crime. Richard also agreed to pay $36,000 in restitution.
2. What stage of moral reasoning in Kohlberg's model is exhibited by Richard Heene's actions? Do you believe the punishment fit the crime? In other words, was justice done in this case? Why or why not?