• tired_n_bored@lemmy.world
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    3 days ago

    Murder is illegal unless committed with a car. In my country we have “vehicle murder” which carries a shorter sentence than a 1st degree voluntary murder but it’s still ≈10 years behind bars. The US should do something similar

    • Xenny@lemmy.world
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      3 days ago

      We do sort of have that. It’s called manslaughter. Under normal circumstances, this woman would have been charged with several counts of manslaughter and would be in prison with her license revoked.

      • Warl0k3@lemmy.world
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        3 days ago

        She was charged with 4 counts of gross vehicular manslaughter, and she pled guilty; she just isn’t being punished.

        • cmhe@lemmy.world
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          3 days ago

          But she didn’t plead guilty, according to the article. She pleded ‘no-contest’ so she didn’t admit guilt, just stopped defending herself after she heard that she isn’t going to be punished anyway.

          She just walked away after the judge said she can do that without consequences.

            • cmhe@lemmy.world
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              2 days ago

              Pleading guilty would have at least demonstrated some remorse.

              I’d rather forgive someone that said “Sorry, I did something bad, and learn from it” then someone that just first say “I didn’t do it.” and then when informed that they aren’t going to be punished say “Whatever.” and walk away.

              So, she not pleading guilty and still not getting punished, while at fault is more rediculus to me.

          • AA5B@lemmy.world
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            3 days ago

            At her age that would be a life sentence.

            If the actual crime was driving when she’s no longer capable, then killing people, any justice needs to start with no longer driving. Plus, aren’t the people not taking her license also complicit with letting her drive when she’s is no longer capable?

          • khannie@lemmy.world
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            3 days ago

            Fully agree. Discretion needs to be removed from those who leave this kind of thing unpunished.

            I believe where I live those mandatory sentences are merely guidelines for judges though. Their word is law.

    • Jerkface (any/all)@lemmy.ca
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      3 days ago

      no legal definition of “murder” applies to this. if you’re going to preach to the choir, at least don’t insult our intelligence. probably the word you are looking for is “homicide”.