A college girl from Yancheng, a city in eastern China's Jiangsu Province, was exempted from penalty after she confessed to stealing 2,000 yuan, or about 300 U.S. dollars, from her roommate. The local procurator's decision to show leniency has since aroused a great deal of interest, the Yangtse Evening Post reported Saturday.

Li Hua went to the police and told them she had stolen the money out of poverty and afterwards felt guilty. In light of her sincerity, good academic record and future potential, the procurator decided not to prosecute on the condition that Li Hua doesn't fail any courses or break the law for half a year, and regularly takes part in public benefit activities.

However, the judgment has triggered debate among the public. Those in favor say it was a moral decision as the procurator believed that convicting Li Hua of theft would do great damage to her future, which would undoubtedly be a tragedy to Li Hua and her poor family.

"To minor offenders, this punishment method serves as a moral guidance, helpful for their repentance. Compared with direct charges, it is more useful," a teacher from a university in Yancheng said.

Others wonder if this verdict sufficiently upholds social ethics. A lawyer said that this decision lacks legal grounds in the current law. Some people have said that half a year is not long enough to judge whether a suspected criminal is truly repentant. Some others also worry that it allows criminals a loophole, especially the rich and the powerful, who could try to avoid being punished for serious crimes.