The theory of optimal fines

A Swiss court has slapped a wealthy speeder with a chalet-sized fine – a full $290,000.

Judges at the cantonal court in St. Gallen, in eastern Switzerland, based the record-breaking fine on the speeder's estimated wealth of over $20 million.

A statement on the court's Web site says the driver – a repeat offender – drove up to 35 miles an hour (57 kilometers an hour) faster than the 50-mile-an-hour (80-kilometer-an-hour) limit.

Here is the full article and I thank Daniel Lippman for the pointer.