manslaughter（过失杀人罪） after an outcry against his initial conviction for murder, the law has been successively rebalanced in the interests of homeowners and against intruders.

　　Householders are now entitled to fight back - and even to deploy ―disproportionate force - in self-defence if they are attacked in their own homes. Richard Osborn-Brooks, the 78-year-old pensioner involved in the fight, has been met by a wave of public sympathy, while the dead man, his family and associates, have all been the subjects of scorn and abuse from the papers. Any gang which preys on old people, as they did, deserves public obloquy (辱骂) as well as prison sentences. It's difficult to imagine a crime that spreads more fear and distrust than stealing from pensioners. The instincts of the public in this case are entirely on the side of justice. But they are not the same thing as justice.

　　The rush of public sympathy and understanding for Mr. Osborn-Brooks is not at all hard to appreciate. But the rush of vicarious rage which has also greeted the story is a reminder of what the law and the criminal justice system stand for. Its measured deliberations ensure a balanced approach and protect us from our own most violent instincts. Vincent may well have deserved another long prison sentence, an exceptionally grim punishment in the present state of prisons. His death was, in a sense, a foreseeable consequence of his wicked and profoundly antisocial behaviour. Nonetheless, he did not deserve to die, as his family has pointed out, and had he stood trial for breaking into an old couple's house he would not have been sentenced to death.

　　This case should remind us that it is the law and its enforcement which exist to keep old and vulnerable people safe, not unofficial or vigilante violence.

4. Why does the writer mention the case of Tony Martin ?

A. It is exactly the same as the case of Henry Vincent.

B. It's the turning point of emphasizing legal rights of homeowners.

C. It has set an example for Richard Osborn-Brooks.

D. It is unfair to sentence the farmer to three years in prison.

5. It can be inferred from paragraph 2 that householders .

A. can act against law when fighting against thieves

B. go too far when defending themselves

C. stand for justice in such cases.

D. have good reasons to kill the intruders.

6. What does the writer think of the public's reaction to the case of Vincent?

A. Understandable but irrational. B. Unbelievable but reasonable.

C. Natural but unforeseeable. D. Satisfactory but unofficial.

7. What message does the writer want to convey in the passage?

A. Criminals should be severely punished.

B. London is not a safe city.

C. Justice calls for the law rather than violence.

D. Those who hurt old people deserve to be sentenced to death.

　　When a purring cat rubs against you, you can't help but feel pleased with yourself for being so lovable. But don't move on f rom petting that kitty to patting yourself on the back just yet. Happiness isn't the only thing that makes cats purr.

Sure, you might hear purrs when your pet feels relaxed or friendly, but cats also purr when they're