I think this villification of Paris and the global schadenfreude of her jail sentence comes down to sexism. Many in the world seem to strongly dislike Paris Hilton - because -why? Because she likes to go out and meet guys and have fun and party. How many young men her age go out and do the same thing and no one says a thing about it?

Look at George Clooney. He's in his 40's and still out partying and that's okay with everyone. If she were known to be addicted to drugs or alcohol I could understand the criticism, but so far I haven't heard that. She's just having a good time.

I think Paris IS a good example to the world and the middle east. Girls can go out and have fun in this country, just like the men- and it should be nobody's business. Maybe the Middle East can learn from that.

Claudia, Atlanta, USA

What the Hell. Send her back to jail not for 23 days but for the full 45 days

lee, boone,

excuse me? she was released from prison after 3 days.. and from the sound of it over the fact that her pillow wasnt comfortable enough, even if it is more medical reasons, you dont let her serve out the rest of her sentence at home, make her serve it some place that isnt going to entertain her. I mean really, anyone else wouldnt have A. been given a date to report to jail following court, B. wouldnt have been placed in a special needs section of jail. Being a celebrity is aparently the only way to avoid jail time it seems. And no one can say shes still being punished by not being able to leave her house, because its not punishment if she is just lounging comfortably in her own home.

Kevin, Raleigh, United States

I become more disappointed in our country with every passing week it seems. Where is our culture headed, and what happened to common sense..

Eric, Chicago, U.S.

Being an American and a Californian I am embarassed and mad by Paris Hiltons actions and treatment. If a celeb 's like Paris, Nichole Richie, Brittany Spears or Lindsay Lothan for example, are stopped for DUI or in an accident, they get a slap on the wrist and told don't do it again. If a regular citizen like me has it happen, we would go to jail, no special anything. This pampering has to stop. These kids are out of control with too much money, and don't care about anything except where their next drink, line of coke or pills or designer purse comes from. Let them learn respect for themselves as well as the law by being treated like the rest of us. Paris probably went on a hunger strike and her sheets weren't silk. She couldn't chat endlessly on her cell phone to her vacant pals, so she had a temper trantrum and cried and cried...She got here way...she is at home...in the lap of luxury. Gee what a hardship. The Justice System has just been made a joke here.

Aricia K. Jeffrey-Wagner, Sacramento, California

I would have thought a life sentance would be more appropriate given that she's a danger to society!

Charles, Lincoln,

Do the crime, Do the time.

This is a terrible example. She should be placed in re-hab--or at least sent to AA everyday for three months==not under house arrest where she can go on with her dissolute life as usual.

Uncomfortable bedding my arse. How many law abiding people are sleeping on cots and how many people on the streets sleeping on cardboard are "guilty" only for falling on hard times.

Sent to AA, she must leave her degrees and pedigrees (I have many)
at the door and git down with what it means to be a sober , useful, and contributing adult.

Maxine, Atlanta, GA

I adore that last sentence.

Robert, San Francisco, USA

House arrest? Surely it should be mansion arrest?!

Sam, london,

It is even sad that I am writing about this... For one thing, that young irresponsible woman will have learned nothing, and secondly, we have another flagrant example of money and power bending the rules. Whether her name is Paris Hilton or an anonymous homeless person who commited a crime, the treatment should be no different.

She is indeed an example. An example of what decency and good values should not be.

Danny Hin, Brossard, Canada

Let any other prisoner try this. Gotta love America. $$$$$$$$$ talks

Jrza, Brockton, MA

guess mommy and daddy DO have a lot of money....

Leslie, Rocxhester, NY

Perhaps overbleaching her hair has caused Paris Hilton's "medical condition'". Her release from jail is a travesty of justice. It only proves that there is a separate justice system for the rich. I am disgusted.

Kim Righetti, Upland, Calif. USA

What is a pay lail? Does that mean that in California, you can pay to go to a nicer prison with a better class of convicts?

Dru Brooke-Taylor, Bristol,

People sshould stop ridiculing the USA. It has the best judicial system that money can buy.

kishore, Galena IL, USA

Paris does not belong in jail, I'm happy to hear that she has been released from prison, and glad for her. High profile people experience pressures that the common man will never understand. If the masses did not support celebrities they would cease to exist. But we do support them and put them up high to keep our own dreams alive including the dream that our world is a safe and sound place to live. How do like them apples.

Page.

page, milton, Canada

Conisdering her comments at the MTV awards ("to show that I can do it and I’m going to be treated like everyone else"), I'd like to believe that this will prove to even the most ardent Hilton-ites out there that her pink plastic bubble existence has done nothing but sheild her from anything remotely resembling reality, meanwhile simultaneously exposing a shockingly crooked justice system that has done nothing good here but reinforce the notion that the rich and the white will always be able to pay their way to freedom.
Chances are though, she'll be back on the red carpet before the electronic tag hits the floor.

Tom, Wembley, London, England

Well, Paris certainly is "an example to young people"! The example is that if you are rich enough the law doesn't apply to you. I'm sure young people all over the world are now certain that there's one rule for the rich and another for the rest of us. If they can't see that, then the young people of today must be as brainless as Paris Hilton.

Alex Smith, Edinbrugh, UK

What kind of message is the California legal system sending to our young adults? Paris is 25 years old and blatantly drove not just once, but numerous times, on a suspended license.

Driving under the influence is not a game, it could cause innocent lives and has become an obvious epidemic in Hollywood. Our children who idolize these pampered young adults who have too much money and no responsibilities, see that there is little or no accountability for such serious actions and become desensitized to the seriousness of the action.

I do not allow my 9 year old son have any viewing of these spoiled, irresponsible stars who have nothing of value to offer.

I am sure that should my son do the same thing at the age of 25 with the same excuses, that the legal system would not have leniency for him because we are not from means.

Paris should suck it up and do the time. That would give her a whole lot more credibility.

KRobinson, Windsor,

Paris Hilton has just found out that America really "The Land Of The Free"

John Woodhouse, Montacute,

Don't respect the law - go to prison - cry and stop eating - get released! Now, that's a good example! Now we know the secret for early release we don't need prisons anymore.

Sally, paris,

Is it a diamond encrusted ankle bracelet? It'd be bad if her standards had to slip!

Gav, Cheshire,

This whole situation from start to finish is a bloody disgrace!

Nige, Manchester,

Who's Paris Hilton?

stuart white, london, london

Guantanemo Bay US Justice vs Paris Hilton US Justice - hmmm that's a tricky one.

She is found guilty of a crime, where she might easily have killed someone whereas detainees are held, without trial on the basis that they might at some point do something nasty.

Democracy gone mad

Jeremy, Farnham,

I am not agree she should spent all 43 in jail like another common american citizen.

Paolo, Mantova, Italy

Haha.

and you critisise China for corruption!

Pete, Cov,

It's now official: Los Angeles authorities condone drink driving and discriminate in favour of the rich. What a bunch of filthy low-lives.

Was her "medical reason" that of missing brain cells? Let this useless, talentless uber parasite disappear, and if she does ever raise her deluded face again in society laugh in her pathetic face and ridicule her into the oblivion she deserves.

Laura Roberts, London, UK

medical my ass, she just bought her way out, the american legal system is a HUGEjoke

Giorgio, North Hollywood, CA

This is a joke. She was fine the night before she went in. Everyone in upset by being jailed. If tha't a get out of jail free card we need to invest in a lot more ancle braclets.

S L R, huntington Beach , CA

And the ruling classes expect us peasants to follow the rules like good boys and girls while they screw the world into the ground - playing by diiferent rules of course! Revolution can't be too far away in the west!

Neil , Birmingham,

what a disgrace! I am sure I would not be given the same consideration if I was imprisoned and became despondent in jail. $$$$$$$ is always the final word. Again, a disgrace.

Grace, quincy, MA

Don't you just love the Amercian justice system, money and fame means your above the law?

Rod, Sydney, Australia

I want to throw up. How much money and to whom?

Cassandra, Berlin, Germany

Total joke. Name one more of those 2,200 inmates that would be released to house arrest if they cried and didn't eat. Jail is not supposed to be fun and comfortable that's why it is considered a punishment and not a vacation.

Jim, san diego, ca

another example of different laws for rich and poor it will never change

kenny, edinburgh, midlothian

The Simple Life of an alleged star.

Summary : "Hilton was jailed for driving while banned. She was arrested in Hollywood last September for reckless driving and had her licence suspended and was told to attend alcohol education classes.

In January she was pulled over by the California Highway Patrol and forced to sign a document reminding her that she was not allowed to drive her car. A month later she was caught at the wheel once again, this time she was charged with violating her probation."

Day 1 in jail : "She has phoned her lawyers to complain about her pillows and blankets and is said to have spent hours sobbing in her cell, has been seeing a councillor and refused to eat her prison-issue hot dog on Tuesday night"

Conclusion: " I’m going to be treated like everyone else " and “I hope that I’m an example to other young people”

God help the other young people who take such a lamentable example. And their relatives.

Ronnie, Paris, FRANCE

One rule for the rich and one for the poor. At least I now know that if I ever get sent to prison all it takes is to complain about the standard of accommodation and food and I'll be out of there. Pathetic.

Paul , London,

USA = freedom and justice for all?

Phil, London,

Martha Stewart endured true house arrest and she did not endanger the welfare of any other human being by being cited for drunk driving. Is PH really going to have the oppty to have guests over and have parties? Pleeze, don't make me want to vomit. This is justice, oops, forgot rich and ignorant works.

Al, New York,

Next will be blond wigs being delivered to the inmates, and they will cry "I'm a Paris Hilton wannabe, and I want out!" Who could blame them! This is a disgrace to our justice system.

Linda, Hillsborough, NC

Wow - just shows the double standards of the USA - one law for the rich and so on. You know, how can Americans expect other countires to like America when such doubke standards abound. Shocking decision.

Rob Truman, Adelaide, Australia

No special treatment, of course not. Just one giant coincidence. What a great example to other young people. Just throw a tantrum and call Daddy's lawyer.

Dan, Hampton, UK

It just goes to show other people, it's who you are and who you know in high places. Paris should have to serve all the days given her. Why does she get off while others with less fame and money do not? Do you call this American Justice, I do not!!!! I'm sick to death of hearing about Paris whom has not done one thing to make anyone proud of.

Cher, North Muskegon, Michigan

What a waste of space this girl is. Could she at least do some community service or engage in some meaningful work that benefits someone other than her own overhyped, overblown celebrity status. Prisons have doctors, she broke the law, house arrest isn't going to be that bad and the punishment doesn't fit the crime.

Kathy, Washington DC, USA

Clearly the Justice system has used Paris every bit as much as she has used it. By flagging her with a 45-day sentence the system obtained high-profile deterence publicity. Letting her go after serving the usual amount of time such offenders serve, but with a 40-day house ( in a house not a mansion as meduia types have claimed) arrest, has let her off lightly from the oppressive sentence while still setting an extrme example for others.

Em Hawthorne, Ottawa, CAN

All equal under the law? This is outrageous, and makes a mockery of any claim to have a legal system that is just. Have the right connections, throw a temper tantrum like a spoiled child, and the law can be bent to make your life easier. A sorry, sorry day.

Robert Thé, London, UK

Summary : "Hilton was jailed for driving while banned. She was arrested in Hollywood last September for reckless driving and had her licence suspended and was told to attend alcohol education classes.
In January she was pulled over by the California Highway Patrol and forced to sign a document reminding her that she was not allowed to drive her car. A month later she was caught at the wheel once again, this time she was charged with violating her probation."

Day 1 in jail : "She has phoned her lawyers to complain about her pillows and blankets and is said to have spent hours sobbing in her cell, has been seeing a councillor and refused to eat her prison-issue hot dog on Tuesday night"

Conclusion: " I’m going to be treated like everyone else " and “I hope that I’m an example to other young people”

The Simple Life of an alleged star. God help the other young people who take such a lamentable example.

Ronnie, Paris , France

All this brouhaha and raucous about Hilton Hotel heiress, Paris Hilton being convicted and jailed, and her term of stay being truncated, shows that celebs love to stay in limelight. They think of this world and real life situation as a centre-stage, with glitz , glitter and 'all that jazz' .,And at times are unable to reconcile with the harsh brutal realities. Are we not over glorifying and projecting them as larger- than- life persona. Media, Press and TV channels, not to forget the hordes of paparazzi , are responsible for glossing them with upmarket, fashionistas and celebrity status. After serving the term for a meager 3 day stay and being released on " medical reasons" (???), best known to the medical and jail authorities, proves that being well articulate in show biz , they can play possum too. Are we not setting bad exampes for others, to take a shelter or an alibi , if confronted with such delicate and intricate situations.She aught to mend her aberrant lfe styles,for good.

Sandy, New Delhi, India

What can I say...if your rich you can get away with "murder"

Dave, calgary, ab/ca

she never should have been sentenced to 45 days love her or hate her that type of justice was not within normal sentencing practises of similar offences as Hilton is not above law the law should be accountable too like Judge for sentencing hilton. a rant

ted worth, kingston, canada

So money can really buy you anything.. It is a very sad story for the American Justice system and society in general.

Marcel, London, Greater London

She is simply an ass; a spoiled, effete, do nothing that contributes nothing of a positive nature to society. In this day and age, you would think that "news editors" would focus on true news of import, not the p.r. driven spin of some driving-while-drunk repeat offender.

Edward B Ryder IV, greenlawn, usa/ny

If I cry...I can get out of jail?

Doug LaPlante, Spokane, Wa

Money can buy you anything these days!! Any other person would have to stay in prison and do their time- but no Paris Hilton was suffering!!! She should have been locked up and the key throw away. She is a bad example for all young women. Actually the human race in general!!!

Trev, tewkesbury, gloucestershire

Dear Editor,
I think the likes of Boy George, Naomi Campbell, Lord Jeffery Archer, etc etc should PROTEST. This is justice gone mad in the US, where else would this happen. Another instance of the rich and influential getting their way. Now everyone sane should plead mental duress when jailed. And she did say about being an example to her fans?

Andrew C, London,

Paris Hilton needs to pull her time just like anyone else. If someone else gets sick, they get them treated and lock them right back up. It is a shame that just because she is a celebrity she can get away with anything she wants. It's an unjust court system that allows such.

Cynthia Faulkner, Star, North Carolina

Is Phil Spectr going to get out of jail because he is having a very bad hair day? How many homeless would like to have the basic of a bed and meals? Maybe Paris should have to go to Shelters and clean up after the poor for a year to two. She owes Society a debt and the payments are due now.

Sharron Franken, Kailua-Kona, Hi

i think this is obserd, if this was anyone of us we would have been incarserated along time ago and for more then 45 days. she is obviously in her own little world and don't agree with the ankle bracelet. i personally think that would have been her dose of reality but now thanks to her rich family she will never grow up, so be happy with your little heiress living with you forever, a bit of advice to the family, write her out of the will.

stephanie ward, vancouver, british columbia

this is RIDICULOUS! she needs to pay her dues just like everyone else. she is laughing in the face of the law.
putting her under house arrest is like punishing a convict by sticking them up in a resort for a month. justice needs to be served.

Emely Rodriguez, Cape Coral, Florida

My God...The London Times.......of all places to read about Paris the twit. She's an American embarrasment..We have to...but you????why would the Brits want to waste time and space knowing anything about this ninny? Even the New York Times does not run anything about her. I guess Bogart was right..."we'll always have Paris"

Mr Sick of Paris, New York USA, America

Oh what a pathetic "civilisation" we have become. Was it Orson Welles who said "All are born equal but some are born more equal than others."? Paris Hilton cannot cope in jail so she is let out, what if i could not cope in jail. would i be let out? of course not. This is a shining example of how greedy, pathetic. corrupt and celebrity obsessed our world has become. The USA is right at the centre of all that is wrong in the world and i really hoped that by sending her to jail a point was being made that the US was cleaning up it act.

With this stupid celebrity obsession around the entire world does the US government not realise what impression it is giving, what do people in Africa, Asia and Middle East think of America? A land where many people live in slums and go to jail becuase they steal and sell drugs to try and provide for their family, a land with no real healthcare or welfare programs. But where rich stupid people do not need to pay for their crimes. This is America.

Gary, Sydney,

Poor Paris, having to spend 40 days locked in a mansion. Oh if only we were all so unlucky.

Cass, Summerland,

It is an affront to all of us that Miss Hilton was released to serve the rest of her sentence at home. This is just another example proving our leagal system favors the well to do and the famous. If Miss Hilton had an ounce of moral fiber or empathy for what others think ,she could have declined this offer and remained where she belonged. She had a chance to come out "smelling like a rose" instead of leaving us with the smell of semi-old money. I expected more from her...I don't why. Sadly, I did not expect more from our court system.

Mark Murray, Laguna Beach, California

Ah, poor Didums, then. Obviously in teh USA there's one law for the rick and one for the poor. Land of the Free - Ha!

Ian, Bristol,

The city of Los Angeles is WEAK. Ohhhh poor Paris almost having a nervous breakdown. IS SHE THE ONLY PERSON WHO HAS GONE TO JAIL TO FEEL THIS WAY?? helloooo. Wake up California you're everything that's wrong with this country. When are you "really" going to make an example of somebody who's in the spotlight like she is? You let O.J go free, you let Nicole Richie off the hook and you'll probably let Lindsay Lohan off with a slap on the wrist too and don't let me forget the singer Brandy was able to kill someone with her car and still get off free. Your justice system is pathetic and a joke. I don't even know why your police officers waste their time arresting these celebrities. No lesson will be taught or learned. I am so disgusted that Paris is getting away with this. And don't say well she has to wear an ankle monitor. Boo hoo. She'll have to wear it around her mansion and all of her friends that come to see her will have to see it. Boo hoo. It won't match anything in her closet.

Allison Cornelius, Morrow, Ohio

Only in the U.S.A. ! I suppose it is another example of "the land of the free". What of G-Bay? Oh! silly me they were just "kidnapees" they don't deserve any rights. Beware U.S. they DO have relatives and the chickens will,for sure, come home to roost!

Colin, Cebu, Philippines

Ridiculous. Hilton tries to guise her shame and retain some pride by putting a positive spin on her incarceration by using it as an "example" to youngsters, and then get's freed within 3 days! She's no example to anyone, I don't think anyone should be fooled into looking up to such a false icon.

Sean Cahill, Crawley, West Sussex

This young woman is highly skilled at manipulation and the prison officials fell for it. She needs to learn that there are limits in life that must be respected. As of today the only thing she has learned is that she can continue to manipulate others successfully. Releasing her to spend her time at home does no do her a favor.

I am a mental health professional.

Anne Scott, Springfield, VA

I think it's ridiculous that Paris has been released after serving only 3 days. She acted irresponsibly and should be made to pay for her actions. If it was a normal member of the public they'd be made to do the time. She makes a mockery of the whole justice system.

Melissa Stewart, Bristol, UK

For one more time celebrity escape the jail because is celebrety I am cutted. I hope this person do not kill somebody before go to jail. Meanwhile, I hope the authorities in this country to be more strick and avoid this kind of mistakes.

Kostas, Aberdeen, Scotland