Is DWI the worst crime in the world?

[bicker]

Mine didn't Heck, a simple DUI is only a misdemeanor (up until your 5th offense) and a fine--well, and a sliding scale of license suspension depending on offense number...no sentencing guidelines necessary.

And that really is another indicator of the problem: How can different states be so different with regard to their handling of this one issue? Clearly, something else, other than good governance, must be at work.

Just like any investigation, if you're relying on one piece of evidence, you're on shaky ground to begin with....

Absolutely.

 

[DisneyFed]

And that really is another indicator of the problem: How can different states be so different with regard to their handling of this one issue? Clearly, something else, other than good governance, must be at work.

Absolutely.

No argument here...my state was, and still is, notoriously lenient....I understand some other states, not so much

 

[bicker]

Earlier I mentioned that there were lots of examples of this issue in our society. Reading the news this morning I found another good example: The moratorium on deep-water drilling was put aside because it was deemed arbitrary and capricious. And it is surely another great example of very serious harm along with the force of the mob driving decisions that are not necessarily fair and just.

 

[dejr_8]

Something else got you into the position where your BAC is being analyzed...even then, it's still only one consideration at trial

......just sayin'

But that is what prompted this thread. The PUBLIC individual is not given the benefit of a trial before being convicted by the public.

 

[DisneyFed]

But that is what prompted this thread. The PUBLIC individual is not given the benefit of a trial before being convicted by the public.

True....in this case, though, I think some of the other factors may play as much into as the DUI case....


Of whom much is given, much is expected....

 

[shortbun]

I drive a school bus and a DUI would end my employment.

 

[eliza61]

My point is that the treatment (i.e. public shaming, job loss) of a Public individual arrested for DWI is independent of their BAC. Should someone be vilified for a BAC of 0.08 - especially when this IS an arbitrary limit?

Now if you blow a BAC twice/three times the limit, throw the book at 'em. Blow at the legal limit, I have issues with the severity of the punishment (for both Public and Private individuals).

Life is arbitrary Dejr. seriously. Humans make laws and deal punishment accordingly.
Really.
Why is it that a causcasian kid selling drugs will often get way lighter punishment than a minority kid doing the same crime?

Kobe Bryant gets accused of raping a girl and for some reason we were more concerned about the big ole diamond he had to buy his wife. Bob the builder would have probably have had a lot more problems, namely how to keep from doing 5-10 for rape and assualt.

Why is it that a pretty blonde hair girl gets kidnapped and it's all over the media but a small brown skinned kid. nothing.

Humans are pack individuals, we exist in communities that are influenced by the members of that community. Why do you think companies and people in the public work so hard to protect their reputation? Because they know there are these "arbitary" standards that John Q public will hold them to.

The Public individual should know that his job, reputation and earning capability depend solely on the public.

What, you think Michael Vick hired the top publicist in Hollywood just for fun? How many folks thought his punishment was waaay to lenient?
YOU have issues with the severity, understandable. We hear the story of how the statue of lady Justice that is blindfolded is actually how it works, in reality it is not. I dare say the parents of two teenage girls killed in Philly by a drunk driver feels the severity of the punishment is ridiculously lenient.

 

[Drew Sailbum]

I would equate it to bringing a loaded gun into a room full of people and waving it around erratically, knowing full well it could go off and hurt anyone at any moment.

I think that example is a bit over the top.

I think it is a fabulous example!

The kinetic energy of a Honda Civic traveling at 60mph is 1242 times greater than the muzzle energy of a slug fired from a .357 Magnum.

The drunken driver may think he is in control, but he is endangering the public.

I am most disheartened that a conviction for killing someone by drunken drving usually garners a much lower term of imprisonment than other forms of reckless homicide. Somehow the drunkenness of the offender is considered an ameliorating factor in favor of the offender.

 

[bicker]

Life is arbitrary Dejr. seriously.

Very true.

Why is it that a causcasian kid selling drugs will often get way lighter punishment than a minority kid doing the same crime? Kobe Bryant gets accused of raping a girl and for some reason we were more concerned about the big ole diamond he had to buy his wife. Bob the builder would have probably have had a lot more problems, namely how to keep from doing 5-10 for rape and assualt. Why is it that a pretty blonde hair girl gets kidnapped and it's all over the media but a small brown skinned kid. nothing.

Excellent examples of the problem.