That's an interesting find regarding the length of time passing from the event equating to a more harsh judgment. My senses tell me that a crime that passes through many decades before a suspect is caught - especially if the suspect is now elderly - garners more sympathy towards the defendant. General Pinochet was one case I remember when he was arrested in the UK. The visual of the stumbling, pitiful body of a once terrible dictator seems to soften the stance of some people. I have no research to back that claim simply a perception but I wonder, then how my own perceptions would affect my judgment in the court room.

Very interesting!