General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsShould we increase penalties for people who use guns in a crime?
This is one thing we can do, if people are going to use guns to commit crimes they should expect to be punished hard for it.
Walleye
(31,008 posts)I just dont see how the threat of more severe punishment deters these guys. If they could think logically about their own self interest they wouldnt be carrying a gun in the first place
ripcord
(5,328 posts)Shouldn't we be coming down on anyone who uses or carries a gun when committing any crime?
Walleye
(31,008 posts)If 100% of the criminals were caught and punished then the penalties are probably appropriate. The problem is we dont just round them up and put them in jail. Which of course we cant do. I think most criminals just think youre gonna get lucky when it comes to everyday thugs. And often they do get lucky. We need to direct more police resources to the violent crimes not the nonviolent misdemeanors. Also the first time someone steps out of line, take their fucking guns
Dr. Strange
(25,919 posts)We like to talk about getting tough on gun crime, but then the second a sympathetic criminal comes along, we'll backtrack and make excuses. The Marissa Alexander case is a prime example:
https://upload.democraticunderground.com/1014119194
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10023267762
https://upload.democraticunderground.com/1014918122
Ohio Joe
(21,748 posts)I think our criminal justice system should be revamped to focus on rehabilitation instead of revenge.
ForgedCrank
(1,773 posts)do that in most places (maybe all? I don't know). It's an added level of severity if a gun is used in a crime.
I can't remember how it is referenced in legal-speak, but I know it's there.
ForgedCrank
(1,773 posts)and started looking and I found one of those laws.
MANDATORY MINIMUM PENALTIES FOR FIREARMS OFFENSES IN THE FEDERAL SYSTEM
[link:https://www.ussc.gov/research/research-reports/mandatory-minimum-penalties-firearms-offenses-federal-system|
ripcord
(5,328 posts)Many plea bargain gun crimes down to something that doesn't include a firearm. We like to talk about how bad guns are but we really don't want to punish people who use guns in a crime.
Effete Snob
(8,387 posts)There are already enhancements to all sorts of crimes if a gun is used.
ForgedCrank
(1,773 posts)is an entirely different subject altogether.
They have been abusing their latitude for quite some time now, but I don't want to go off-topic on this thread.
I just weighed in on the fact that we already have these laws, and they are pretty tough already.