Friday, November 23, 2007

A proper punishment for improper behavior.

Dog runs into somebodies yard, owner of property readies to shoot it, but instead hits the dogs owner who gave chase, said dog owner dies from sustained injuries.

(Article)

The laws response: the shooter is charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless homicide.

This is exactly how the justice system should treat people like this, he *did* kill somebody, unintentional as it may be, the poor woman is equally dead. Had she not died, he still should have been charged with reckless endangerment, and the applicable "unsafe firearm discharge" charges if applicable in the state in question.

Make no mistake: I support the second amendment with fiery passion, as do I support the right of one to defend himself and his property and the DA's decision to charge this woman as (s)he did.
All for the same reason, I hold people responsible for their actions. A mugger who gets shot had it coming in my opinion, he made the conscious decision to commit a violent crime, and somebody defended himself.

This woman has to accept the responsibility for the accident she caused. She will probably get off with a relatively light sentence, she took a life yes, but didn't mean to, probably acted in a moment of panic (if she had young children in her house, this would play hugely into her advantage), and is probably as beat up over it as the deceaseds family. But she will hopefully be convicted, serving as a warning to all of us to be sure of our target, and what is behind it.