Dana wrote:

Thanks to all for the replies. However, if you don't know you've been mind-wiped until after the mind-wipe fails, you might present a vivid counter-example to others, but YOU aren't suffering. Considering the Federation's opinion of rebellion, I'd think they'd a) make sure that the conditioning DIDN'T break down [I know, then there's no series, but still] and b) make sure that the convicted rebel knew damn well what had happened to him/her and his/her family.

I honestly think they'd much rather sweep the whole thing under the carpet. We know they don't like the populace talking about rebels, and if the rebels can't remember anything to talk about that's an important source of conversation closed down. A few warped individuals may like hurting people, but I believe the system, and most of those running it, are more interested in control than punishment as such.