I agree with much of what you are saying. We are both right, a line has to be drawn. But is it going to be a metaphorical line or a true line that will discourage this behavior. If we always accept apologies with a slap on the wrist, we will never have a true deterrent. Certain professions have certain guidelines. Most airlines won't hire pilots who have alcholic histories, the CIA will not hire you if you have tried ANY drugs in the past, you would have an EXTREMELY difficult time finding work as a banker if you have a felony for fraud, etc, etc, etc. I realize there are exceptions to this rule. I was not saying the cheating would continue (I find slippery slope arguments hard to defend), but I was saying there are certain offenses in which three strikes are thrown at once (to continue my baseball analogy). It is my opinion that academic dishonesty is extremely hard to defend.