Who suggested he be punished prior to his conviction? Wasn't me.

Some of you need a lesson on the meaning of vigilantism, don't you? Vigilantism is punishment of an accused criminal by self-appointed and unofficial members of the populace, with punishment administered arbitrarily. If the governing body of a state declares a method of punishment legal within that state (whether it be the Pillory or Public Trash Collection), and if an individual is arrested, tried, found guilty, and punished within the framework of existing laws of that state, then there is nothing to indicate vigilantism.

Oh, and personally, I don't see punishment in the Pillory as essentially more cruel than imprisonment. The aspect of public humiliation of individuals convicted of crimes that bothers you is what? It will hurt their feelings? It will damage their already fragile self images? It will piss them off so they'll be more likely to do it again? They are the unjust victims of a cruel and repressive system, and since their actions can always be excused by extenuating circumstances, we should just give them the benefit of the doubt and make them promise not to do it again?