Reader comments
Lehi man gets jail time for injuring boy with fireworks
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Idahoan | 11:52 a.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I ache for all the involved parties.
No one wins here | 12:08 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
But 21 days is not something that is egregious. It will deter others who would
think that they didn't have to take their actions seriously.
I think this is about the right punishment.
The hospital bills will never be paid in full unless someone with big pockets steps forward. So even if Bridger and family want no jail time, the cost is borne by society and there needs to be some accounting.
I think this is about the right punishment.
The hospital bills will never be paid in full unless someone with big pockets steps forward. So even if Bridger and family want no jail time, the cost is borne by society and there needs to be some accounting.
Anonymous | 12:14 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
The initial sentence seems reasonable. There was clearly no malice intended.
Much has been made of the mother's refusal to litigate. I would like to see an analysis of the legal rights of the child and the State (who is paying for care through Medicaid). Also curious if the defendants home owners insurance would be liable. It is my understanding that the 3 year statute of limitations will not start until the child turns 18 (his informed discovery).
That would allow a decade for the boy to independently determine if and how much reimbursement is appropriate to make up for his diminished quality of life and reduced future income potential.
Sad and unfortunate situation. I reflect at the stupid things I have done and consider myself fortunate that no one has been seriously injured as the result of my actions.
Much has been made of the mother's refusal to litigate. I would like to see an analysis of the legal rights of the child and the State (who is paying for care through Medicaid). Also curious if the defendants home owners insurance would be liable. It is my understanding that the 3 year statute of limitations will not start until the child turns 18 (his informed discovery).
That would allow a decade for the boy to independently determine if and how much reimbursement is appropriate to make up for his diminished quality of life and reduced future income potential.
Sad and unfortunate situation. I reflect at the stupid things I have done and consider myself fortunate that no one has been seriously injured as the result of my actions.
Comments continue below
Hero of Canton | 12:18 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
While we can not condone what happened, I do think that Mr. Miller should be
recognized as a good example of taking responsibility for his actions. He made
a mistake, there were consequences and he has owned up to them. What a better
world this would be if people owned up to consequences of their actions.
My prayers continue to go out to young Bridger, his family and the family of Mr. Miller.
My prayers continue to go out to young Bridger, his family and the family of Mr. Miller.
Anonymous | 12:20 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I commend the man for facing up to his errors. He made a mistake and has always
admitted it and took responsibility. The sentance seems fair. I hope for a
speady recovery for the boy
I dont know. | 12:21 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
21 days? less than a month?
sosueme534 | 12:22 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I believe this is definately the only real justice I have seen in the state of
utah in the last 15 years.
Skippy | 12:28 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I went to high school with Craig Miller. His heart has always been in the right
place. There are no winners in this event. Hopefully we can all become better
people because of this.
21 days? | 12:38 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
21 days is an outrageous sentence. This is not a case of the victim's
family vs Miller, it is a case of the STATE OF UTAH vs Miller. It is good for
the peace of the family for them to forgive him, but it is not the business of
the state. He committed a felony by every account. Had the boy died, it would
have been manslaughter. Accident or not, Miller engaged in criminal behavior
when he touched off the bomb that some insist on calling a firework. He should
be serving his time in the Utah State Prison and it should be way more than 21
days.
Robert | 12:39 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
This kind of case is a reminder that civil law is always clumsy in doing
justice.
jfbslc | 12:39 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
4th District Judge Howard should be rembered by the rest of us as a man of good
sense and worthy of re-election.
Anonymous | 12:50 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Certainly Mr. Miller won't make the mistake again. If Bridger and his
family can forgive and ask for leniency; shouldn't we?
Frank | 1:22 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
A couple weeks in jail is forgiveness and leninecy. No leniency and forgiveness
would have been several years in jail. They cut him a lot of slack. If I were
him I would be thanking the stars I would only serve 21 days.
A Sane Mind | 1:24 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
“Miller engaged in criminal behavior”
What Miller did was stupid, not a crime. It is illegal to posses a bomb, and he made a firework that that behaved in the worst way(as a bomb with shrapnel). So ya, lets put him in the same boat as thief’s, drug dealers and rapists. Kids and adults modify or make fireworks all the time. They even fire illegal firewalls.
Those turds in the court where out for blood. If this wasn’t such a news story that the court frothing at the mouth and not out for blood, he would have gotten away with a fine.
From the page: “159 days on the jail's ankle-monitoring GPS system”
What is that suppose to do? He is no threat to anyone! Yea, lets just make life worse for the guy that had an accident that nearly took someone’s life and cost taxpayers money.
They could have given him a small fine, a slap on the wrist, and make him help pay for the medical bills, would have been better for everyone.
What Miller did was stupid, not a crime. It is illegal to posses a bomb, and he made a firework that that behaved in the worst way(as a bomb with shrapnel). So ya, lets put him in the same boat as thief’s, drug dealers and rapists. Kids and adults modify or make fireworks all the time. They even fire illegal firewalls.
Those turds in the court where out for blood. If this wasn’t such a news story that the court frothing at the mouth and not out for blood, he would have gotten away with a fine.
From the page: “159 days on the jail's ankle-monitoring GPS system”
What is that suppose to do? He is no threat to anyone! Yea, lets just make life worse for the guy that had an accident that nearly took someone’s life and cost taxpayers money.
They could have given him a small fine, a slap on the wrist, and make him help pay for the medical bills, would have been better for everyone.
Phil | 1:30 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Well we certainly have people lined up to cast the first stone. We will always
have those who lust over yellow journalisms that these kinds of incidents
create. Thank you Bridger's mother for being such a good example in
tragedy like this, if jury's were this forgiving, the state would have not
wasted all that money to prosecute and imprison, for something that was
obviously not intentional.
Weekend sentences? | 1:45 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I would hope he can serve his time on the weekends where it won't impact
his gainful employment. I agree his actions were inappropriate and caused
serious harm, but it was not intentional. Doesn't do anyone any good if he
loses his job. Better that he is gainfully employed and can maybe help pay off
the boy's medical bills. This has been hanging over his head for 6 months
and then the ankle bracelet for 5+ months, and even then more probation? Just
because his incarceration time is 21 days doesn't mean that's the only
impact he is seeing.
To: I dont know | 1:59 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
YES, 21 days is less than a month.
Reader | 1:59 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
While the pleas for leniency from Bridger Hunt's family are admirable,
there has to be some accountability for Miller's actions. Just because
there was no malice in Miller's actions, we as a society just can't
excuse and dismiss stupid, immature, reckless actions. Otherwise, there would be
no motivation to think twice about commiting stupid acts that turn out to
seriously harm someone and then just have it pushed aside with "Well, he
didn't mean it." This guy should have used his brain and thought about
the possible dangers of his actions. He is actually getting a light sentence
considering the severity the injuries suffered by Bridger, so Miller should
consider that leniency
Bridger looks great! | 2:22 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
What a fantastic recovery by Bridger! It's nice to finally see a picture
of him in a recovered/recovering state and know that things are not nearly as
dire as they were in July...
To Reader | 2:23 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
You mean our state does not have civil tort laws? Because you said their would
be no motivation. Yo, I can think of hundreds of things that motivate people to
not do stupid things, all much higher then the threat of criminal prosecution.
Mercy cannot rob justice | 2:33 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
So this guy should be eternally grateful for the lenient sentence.
Accountability is key here. He cannot have repentance without consequences, so
here's a helping of consequences to speed him along.
Punishing the guilty isn't about undoing the wrong, it's about paying the debt incurred to society.
Punishing the guilty isn't about undoing the wrong, it's about paying the debt incurred to society.
RE Mercy cannot rob justice | 3:30 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Just a couple questions for you.
You claim he must repent of something. What sin did he commit?
You say he owes a debt to society. What did he do to you? What does he specifically owe you?
What happend was a very unfortunate accident. One that could habe been avoided. Nor did he have any intention of hurting any one.
How would a life time of days in a jail cell cause justice?
How does sitting in jail cell bring justice?
TO me that is a real head scratcher, that somehow sitting in a jail cell so many days suddenly equates to justice, make all things right.
You claim he must repent of something. What sin did he commit?
You say he owes a debt to society. What did he do to you? What does he specifically owe you?
What happend was a very unfortunate accident. One that could habe been avoided. Nor did he have any intention of hurting any one.
How would a life time of days in a jail cell cause justice?
How does sitting in jail cell bring justice?
TO me that is a real head scratcher, that somehow sitting in a jail cell so many days suddenly equates to justice, make all things right.
re. A Sane Mind | 3:36 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
It is obvious that you lack "a sane mind" What is it with all of you
bleding hearts that makes you want to let the criminal actions of another go
unaddressed. Did Mr. Miller break the law? Yes he did. Is there a consequence
for breaking the law Yes there is. In this case 21 days in jail and 159 days in
an ankle bracelet.
Maybe you should be concerned with the attidude that you portray that, that anyone can break the law and it is ok if you are a good guy. People die and are hurt by idiots with attitudes like yours. The thing you miss is that you and others like you are not entitled. You live in a society and are responsible to that society and the law. I wonder how you would feel if it were you ar your son who had been injured or even killed by a good guy who did something stupid.
Maybe you should be concerned with the attidude that you portray that, that anyone can break the law and it is ok if you are a good guy. People die and are hurt by idiots with attitudes like yours. The thing you miss is that you and others like you are not entitled. You live in a society and are responsible to that society and the law. I wonder how you would feel if it were you ar your son who had been injured or even killed by a good guy who did something stupid.
What's next? | 3:46 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I know Mr. Craig Miller. He IS a good man who would serve his commutity at all
costs! He delivered milk to my door at no extra cost so that I didn't have
to leave my home with a new born baby! He is no threat to society and he is
being treated like one, more than the man who shot his wife in cold blood last
year at the church in Lehi! What a world!
I have admiration for Bridger's mom who is still forgiving and gracious toward Craig. She is a good person and does not get sucked into the vendictive sue-happy society we are giving life to. It is true that no one wins here, especially Craigs children.
I have admiration for Bridger's mom who is still forgiving and gracious toward Craig. She is a good person and does not get sucked into the vendictive sue-happy society we are giving life to. It is true that no one wins here, especially Craigs children.
if you think | 4:04 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
jail time will deter people from doing stupid things then I have a piece of land
you'd like to buy in the antartic.... Hmmm nobody here has ever done
something they wish they hadn't. Everyone drives perfect too.. I know,
let's send all those that make mistakes driving and injure someone to jail.
Sounds like a fun society to me...... Let's take out our revengeeeee......
stupid just stupid. let the guy go.... what a stupid society if they think this
will set an example... he's already paying by remorse... what good..
Let's kick the guy when he has nothing more to give... sounds like my kind
of society....
Ankle Bracelets are not free | 4:12 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Depending on the laws in the county where Mr. Miller is, he will have to pay for
the "privilege" of wearing that ankle monitor. I know that is the case
in Uintah County. I am glad he did not get any more jail time than he did, and I
hope his job will be there when he gets out. The ankle monitor will limit where
he can go and what he can do for the remainder of the apparently 180 day
sentence he received. I am also glad Bridger is doing well, and I hope he
continues to heal. He has a positive attitude, which is a reflection of his
mother's graciousness, and that will help immensely. Best of luck to
everyone involved.
Think | 5:02 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
The man made a bomb. It is a felony.
He was extremely reckless.
He critically and severely injured a child who will have complications his whole life.
It is honorable that the victim's mom is forgiving.
Regardless of what anybody thinks...Mr. Miller is a felon/criminal and is, at least formerly, idiotic and irresponsible. I am sure it was not the first time he made a bomb. He should have got investigated for child neglect also since I am sure he had his children present.
21 days is a gift and he is lucky he is not in my jurisdiction.
He was extremely reckless.
He critically and severely injured a child who will have complications his whole life.
It is honorable that the victim's mom is forgiving.
Regardless of what anybody thinks...Mr. Miller is a felon/criminal and is, at least formerly, idiotic and irresponsible. I am sure it was not the first time he made a bomb. He should have got investigated for child neglect also since I am sure he had his children present.
21 days is a gift and he is lucky he is not in my jurisdiction.
Roscoe | 5:16 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
"Miller took responsibility". Oh, really? That's why he tried to
clean up the evidence in his garage before the police got there. He was taking
responsibility. This poor young man is most likely maimed for life and while
it's nice that his mother doesn't want to prosecute the man, I think
21 days in the county Hilton is too lenient for this man's negligent act of
total stupidity.
eodo | 5:28 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
21 days for building a bomb of that size is ridiculus, 10 years would have been
better. And, a note to his neighbors - move now, he may try it again.
good | 5:54 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
justice prevailed. I hope this never happens again.
MC | 6:02 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
For the mother to extend forgiveness is a great move on her part but she is not
the justice system and the two must be separated. It goes to the reverse. What
if she does not forgive him, does this guy get 10 years?
21 days is indeed a gift. Miller is an adult. He knew what he was doing and while he had no intention to harm someone and that should warrant some mitigating circumstances, what he did is extremely dangerous and harmful to the community. I vote for at least six months to a year in prison.
21 days is indeed a gift. Miller is an adult. He knew what he was doing and while he had no intention to harm someone and that should warrant some mitigating circumstances, what he did is extremely dangerous and harmful to the community. I vote for at least six months to a year in prison.
John | 6:08 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
A fair resolution to a sad accidental injury.
For all the zealous folks screaming about "building a bomb" and holding Miller more accountable: I doubt if you take that same sanctimonous attitude with every parent who allows a teenager to drive a car. Too often accidents happen when people with no malicious intent make decisions which through a chain of erronous decisions can result in loss of life or serious injury. Sad, tragic, regretable, and probably preventable, but usually not heinous crimes.
To "Think @5:02" Spoken like a true lawyer. Strictly by the book with no common sense or allowance for justice that does not enrich lawyers through endless litigation.
Let's all let both families get along with their now much changed lives, and just leave them alone. If anyone feels like more action is required, you are welcome to send a check to Bridger's family instead of castigating Miller for his actions.
May God bless them all.
For all the zealous folks screaming about "building a bomb" and holding Miller more accountable: I doubt if you take that same sanctimonous attitude with every parent who allows a teenager to drive a car. Too often accidents happen when people with no malicious intent make decisions which through a chain of erronous decisions can result in loss of life or serious injury. Sad, tragic, regretable, and probably preventable, but usually not heinous crimes.
To "Think @5:02" Spoken like a true lawyer. Strictly by the book with no common sense or allowance for justice that does not enrich lawyers through endless litigation.
Let's all let both families get along with their now much changed lives, and just leave them alone. If anyone feels like more action is required, you are welcome to send a check to Bridger's family instead of castigating Miller for his actions.
May God bless them all.
C.L.Nelson | 6:19 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
"Thou shalt not judge!" True Mr. Miller's choice was a disaster.
There are far more vicious crimes right here in Zion. Namely, child abuse and
neglect, drug and gangs, etc. Mr. Miller is only one man who made a mistake in
judgment. Needless to say, there are hard core criminals among us who mean to
destroy human life. We need to be aware of our own choices, not condoning a
person who hasn't had any criminal record. Our prayers are with all
families involved to recover peace, healing emotionally and physically.
So called responsible adults | 6:31 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
and it really affected all of you. This makes me laugh people get so worked up
about something that does not even affect you. The families involved should be
all that is needed. Thank you to those involved for setting an example to those
that are vindictive and hateful. It is a breath of fresh air for the forgivness
of the family. Get well wishes to the Bridger.
Father of 4 | 6:54 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
The problem with today's society is that too many people are out for
revenge and to make someone pay for their mistake whether it was accidental or
done purposely.
We are also a sue happy society that has to sue someone over ANY little thing! What would fix that is if the U.S. would adopt a "loser pays" mentality regarding law suits like most other countries do. That would stop all the idiotic law suits that we have today.
My heart goes out to all involved-especially the boy and his family! They really have adopted the Christ-like attitude of forgiveness...something that we ALL need to learn from!!
We don't know all the details so we can't judge what punishment is needed. I'm in favor of a lighter judgement in this case and I feel sorry that his jail time, etc could cause greater problems in him being able to provide for his family.
We are also a sue happy society that has to sue someone over ANY little thing! What would fix that is if the U.S. would adopt a "loser pays" mentality regarding law suits like most other countries do. That would stop all the idiotic law suits that we have today.
My heart goes out to all involved-especially the boy and his family! They really have adopted the Christ-like attitude of forgiveness...something that we ALL need to learn from!!
We don't know all the details so we can't judge what punishment is needed. I'm in favor of a lighter judgement in this case and I feel sorry that his jail time, etc could cause greater problems in him being able to provide for his family.
How does prison pay a debt? | 7:44 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Throwing this guy into prison doesn't serve society in any way; it just
means one more unproductive body to support with taxpayer's dollars. Let
him pay his debt to society and to the victim with his wallet and with community
service. It would be more beneficial to all of us and it would allow him to
make a meaningful sacrifice, which by all accounts he is more than willing to
do.
No room for mistakes? | 8:22 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
When I was just a kid my uncle took out the golf clubs so that the kids could
hit some balls. My brother picked up a iron and did a practice swing which
caught me right near my temple. A fraction of an inch would have killed me.
Neither my brother or my uncle were ever charged. Maybe one of you posters can
help me get justice 45 years after the fact. After all they should have to pay
for their mistakes.
According to most of the posts here, there is no room for mistakes in life. Those who live without error stand on the sidelines to judge harshly and demand payment in full for those mistakes.
Clearly had this man done like most people who have serious lapses of judgement, he would have covered it up, lied about doing it, and got the best attorney in town to drag it on for eternity until the prosecutors decided to plea bargain and give him a 10 day suspended jail time and 3 months probation.
To the fools who live in glass houses and believe they are immune from accidents that can destroy lives, your time may soon be coming.
According to most of the posts here, there is no room for mistakes in life. Those who live without error stand on the sidelines to judge harshly and demand payment in full for those mistakes.
Clearly had this man done like most people who have serious lapses of judgement, he would have covered it up, lied about doing it, and got the best attorney in town to drag it on for eternity until the prosecutors decided to plea bargain and give him a 10 day suspended jail time and 3 months probation.
To the fools who live in glass houses and believe they are immune from accidents that can destroy lives, your time may soon be coming.
Custer | 8:59 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
I'm not going to say I don't make mistakes. I'm not going to say
I've not done stupid things. But I know that black powder in a piece of
pipe is a pipe bomb, not a "firework", and it didn't detonate
itself.
Dave | 9:09 p.m. Dec. 2, 2008
Why jail time? And why has it taken this long for law enforcers to come to this
conclusion?
It appears at times our legal authorities take action not to enforce law, but to save face--to prove "we're doing something about this."
For this to happen in Utah County is not surprising. Some of the craziest officials reside in that neck of the woods, where bizarre opinions and attitudes are fostered.
You have two parties involved in this case--one party who was negligent and another party who was damaged. The law should work towards a satisfactory remedy.
Instead, in this often goofy state, laws are enacted to legislate every conceivable common or practical sense. And, in this case, remedy is cast aside in pursuit of image or impression.
A properly functioning judiciary/police should seek not for legal enforcement of common sense, but towards the maintenance of a free and civil society.
And some of you who support this are part of the reason so many laws are being passed--all resulting in greater infringement of our liberties.
It appears at times our legal authorities take action not to enforce law, but to save face--to prove "we're doing something about this."
For this to happen in Utah County is not surprising. Some of the craziest officials reside in that neck of the woods, where bizarre opinions and attitudes are fostered.
You have two parties involved in this case--one party who was negligent and another party who was damaged. The law should work towards a satisfactory remedy.
Instead, in this often goofy state, laws are enacted to legislate every conceivable common or practical sense. And, in this case, remedy is cast aside in pursuit of image or impression.
A properly functioning judiciary/police should seek not for legal enforcement of common sense, but towards the maintenance of a free and civil society.
And some of you who support this are part of the reason so many laws are being passed--all resulting in greater infringement of our liberties.
Bomb? | 12:25 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
No way it was a bomb people. Educate yourselves sometime.
Was Jail Time Needed? | 1:27 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Really no need for jail time. Miller now has a life long responsability to pay
millions for Bridger's injuries. Two families lives changed forever. I
feel badly for everyone involved in this tragedy.
Bridger you seem like a great kid and you and you and your mom seem so forgiving- what wonderful traits to have.
I also feel Mr. Miller is very sorry and sincere and meant no harm.
Bridger you seem like a great kid and you and you and your mom seem so forgiving- what wonderful traits to have.
I also feel Mr. Miller is very sorry and sincere and meant no harm.
Lucky | 3:05 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Mr Miller is lucky that Bridger survived, otherwise he'd be facing
manslaughter charges and would be in prison much longer.
Yes this was an accident, but the law is being enforced, as it should be.
Hopefully Utahns will think twice about how they treat fireworks--there are firework laws for a reason.
Yes this was an accident, but the law is being enforced, as it should be.
Hopefully Utahns will think twice about how they treat fireworks--there are firework laws for a reason.
re: Dave | 10:17 a.m. Dec. 3, 2008
It has taken this long because Mindy kept going to the hearings and asking the
courts to wait and consider her wishes. This caused 2 extra hearings that I know
of. Two extra hearings caused more attorney fees for Craig.
BTW, Mindy is now talking to the media about how betrayed she feels that the money from the sale of the house is gone. It's not gone, she was given a large chunk of it up front. Her attorneys asked for (and received) a separate restitution hearing. Lawyers aren't free, people.
For those that asked about homeowners insurance, yes, his insurance has paid a large sum to Mindy.
BTW, Mindy is now talking to the media about how betrayed she feels that the money from the sale of the house is gone. It's not gone, she was given a large chunk of it up front. Her attorneys asked for (and received) a separate restitution hearing. Lawyers aren't free, people.
For those that asked about homeowners insurance, yes, his insurance has paid a large sum to Mindy.
To John From Think | 1:16 p.m. Dec. 3, 2008
Not a Lawyer: I'm a Fire captain with extensive background in Firefighting,
EMS and especially Fire and Explosion Investigation.
"no common sense"/ What common sense or common decency or any fraction of intelligence was present when Mr. Miller made a BOMB and then tried to hide it. I don't need common sense in this issue because I have seen explosions, treated injuries and investigated the aftermath.
Miller is a felon and made a "bomb"...not fireworks. When you assemble material to create an explosive or alter fireworks it is a "BOMB" or IED -Improvised Explosive Device. He broke a major law and critically injured somebody. I am highly suprised that the ATF isn't going for federal Minimum mandatory sentences here...they would be in Colorado.
It was not an accident...that is like saying it was an accident when the bank robber shot the security officer because he was only there robbing the bank and the officer got in the way
"no common sense"/ What common sense or common decency or any fraction of intelligence was present when Mr. Miller made a BOMB and then tried to hide it. I don't need common sense in this issue because I have seen explosions, treated injuries and investigated the aftermath.
Miller is a felon and made a "bomb"...not fireworks. When you assemble material to create an explosive or alter fireworks it is a "BOMB" or IED -Improvised Explosive Device. He broke a major law and critically injured somebody. I am highly suprised that the ATF isn't going for federal Minimum mandatory sentences here...they would be in Colorado.
It was not an accident...that is like saying it was an accident when the bank robber shot the security officer because he was only there robbing the bank and the officer got in the way
Sarah | 1:07 a.m. Dec. 5, 2008
The article writes, "The man...was sentenced to jail Tuesday morning,
despite tearful pleas for leniency from Bridger's mother. "Let us
take on this burden," Mindy Carter-Shaw tearfully asked the judge.
"It's already been given to us. We already have to deal with it. Let
Craig be with his family."
When one commits a crime, it isn't a private act but a public act. The purpose of the court/prison system is a) to punish/correct, b) to deter others, and c) for society to see that justice is done.
This man committed a crime. He must be punished so he doesn't do it again and the punishment must be a deterence to others. Also, if others see that offenders can get off with a slap on the wrist, what is to prevent vigilantism?
As for forgiveness, you have the right to forgive him but you also have to consider your son's rights. He is going to have to live with lifelong injuries and although you can pressure him into "forgiving" now, how is he going to feel as an adult? He has the right to compensation for said injuries and you can't deny him that.
When one commits a crime, it isn't a private act but a public act. The purpose of the court/prison system is a) to punish/correct, b) to deter others, and c) for society to see that justice is done.
This man committed a crime. He must be punished so he doesn't do it again and the punishment must be a deterence to others. Also, if others see that offenders can get off with a slap on the wrist, what is to prevent vigilantism?
As for forgiveness, you have the right to forgive him but you also have to consider your son's rights. He is going to have to live with lifelong injuries and although you can pressure him into "forgiving" now, how is he going to feel as an adult? He has the right to compensation for said injuries and you can't deny him that.
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- RSL rallies to advance103
- Thousands protest health bill101
- Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings99
- Provo company innovating engines98
Why do so many people live so close to refineries in Utah and elsewhere?
NASA's Stardust probe continues to bring new knowledge about the nature...
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Latest comments
for the Utes to enjoy their 15 minutes. Next week, TCU stays the same, BYU...
Polygamy was condemned in the BOM, but was said to be ok at special times....
"Hey Annoy monous" When the Cougs win like this, why be such a jerk -...
Utahns have good reason t be depressed if your team can't beat the Kings.
How does providing health care for all interfere with opportunity or freedom?...
Crap. I moved to the US from Canada because it is almost impossible to get...
No Don, there are many posters against gay marriage. Either you're not...
"the water authority retorts that it has a duty to find water in its state...
Thanks again Jim Matheson. I called your office several times as I was...
if we can get the senate on board and President Obama will sign it. ...
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