Letters to the Editor
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Good point
And we now have yet another expansive field of sentence enhancement based on mental states or intent that cannot ultimately be known. We are punishing not just criminal acts, but criminal thoughts.
Yes, and really if a bunch of Arabs set fire to a few Texas oil wells to protest American carbon emissions, they should get probation and community service?
If I kill a cop with my getaway vehicle leaving the scene of a bank robbery, then it is the same as any other accidental vehicular manslaughter where a pedestrian steps into the road unexpectedly?
In fact punishment for crimes has always taken intent into account, as far as the court can perceive it. One-size-fits-all punishments like deportation for stealing a loaf of bread have always been found to be unsatisfactory.
Crimes such as terrorism or killing cops are generally seen as particularly egregious because they are aimed at subverting democratic processes, the rule of law, and the machinery of law enforcement.
The above poster is either a high-schooler having fun, or is mentally deranged.