US Authoritarianism

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Multiple Life Sentences for Minor in Police Shooting He did not Participate in. (lemmy.world)

submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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LINK TO THE PETITION

https://www.change.org/p/district-attorney-cj-robinson-free-lakeith-smith

Source: https://www.tumblr.com/iguanodonwildman/661968148678017024/please-sign-the-petition-so-i-checked-up-on~~___~~

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[–] [email protected] 15 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (2 children)

This is a bad law for obvious reasons. Not least of which is that literally anyone can be charged with a crime for simply being with a criminal if it works the way you explained it.

It would make more sense if it had guardrails that required the police show the crimes were planned and coordinated together.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 months ago

It's a state law, so it varies by state. Most states have a list of qualifying felonies. And you have to be an active participant in the underlying felony, rather than simply present. In this case, Smith actively planned and participated in the felony (a burglary).

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago

You have to participate in the same crime knowingly. Its not just that you have to be near them.

For example if I drop you off at a bank and leave, and then you rob it, I very likely would not be charged if I didnt know what would happen.