Progress. Yesterday I read that from 1547 Britain used human branding (thumbs, chests, faces). Abolished in 1829 (except for deserters, til 1879).

A public criminal record may be more humane than a physical brand, but for someone who's "paid their debt to society", public records are still a brand. Good to see some demonstrated reformed behavior being rewarded, even if it took 2 centuries, and requires an extra 4 years of 'paying'.