Quote:
Originally Posted by Cynthetiq
WTF? so you mean to say that maybe misdemeanor crimes should have the same penalty as felony crimes?
The common sense thing here is to make domestic abuse crimes a felony. It's a felony to assault a bus driver, flight attendant and a few other protected classes, why not include spouse or domestic partner?
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I don't agree that domestic abuse should necessarily be a felony. I think whether it is a misdemeanor or felony, should depend on the specific actions of the accused. I don't think that slapping or pushing someone should be treated the same, under the law, as beating someone to the point they need to be hospitalized (or stabbing/shooting them, including attempts to stab or shoot). I also think that on this issue both sexes should be held to the same standard. Neither male, nor female should hit other people (including the opposite sex) for any reason other than self-defense. Whomever breakes this by throwing the first punch/slap/object etc, is wrong, the other person is defending themselves at least on the violence part of the dispute. (subject to porprotional force restrictions w/r/t self-defense)
I think that existing assault and battery statutes, as well as existing stalking, murder, etc statutes should be sufficent. One needs only to enforce them both fairly and equitably.