Quote:
Originally Posted by JetMetFan
Tell me about it. I can't think this was the first time this kid ever lost his temper while participating in a sporting event. I'm all for forgiving mistakes but there are limits. I can't wrap my head around a max of three years for leaving kids fatherless.
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I don't know what is the "right" amount for something in this realm. I guess the 3 years is enough to force recognition of the wrongfulness of the act, but short enough to not completely derail the young person's life.
He caused a death of another person and there is no way to repair that, but if our society is to be progressive, then this citizen needs help and training to become a better person in the future. Perhaps he will go on to save or vastly improve the life of someone else someday.
I recall being 17 and punching an opponent in a soccer game because he kept holding onto my shirt and I finally got sick of it. What if he had been seriously injured or died? I had no intent of harming him. I was simply angry and frustrated at the moment and lashed out physically in response to the unwanted physical contact done to me. I got a red card and a further one game suspension. Could I have gotten 3 years in prison? Should I have?
My point is that there obviously need to be consequences for the action, but the question is how harsh. I have not doubt that this 17 year old was upset and wrongfully resorted to violence, yet I also have no doubt that causing serious injury or death was NOT his intent or desire.