Organ Leggers and Their Pound of Flesh

Via the ever astute Avedon Carol comes this notice from Martin Wisse. To wit:

Lawmakers are considering legislation that would let prisoners donate organs or bone marrow in exchange for time off their sentences.

A state Senate panel on Thursday endorsed creating an organ-and-tissue donation program for inmates. But legislators postponed debate on a measure to reduce the sentences of participating prisoners, citing concern that federal law may not allow it.

In Niven's universe it was about living longer through an "Organ Draft" where the young and healthy gave up their organs to the older and more productive members of society.

Soon, capitol crimes were punisment by forfeiting useful parts - not quite the death penalty, think of it more of as a piece-meal approach.

Sure as hell, the Invisible Hand took root. Black market organs were snatched and sold by organ leggers. Mush like the urban legends of tequila-fueled weekends ending up in in a tub of ice with a scar on the side.

One story that chilled my bones (organs?) was the protaganist was subject to dismemberment due to numerous unpaid traffic violations...