Pubdate: Sat, 13 Mar 2004
Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette (WI)
Copyright: 2004 Green Bay Press-Gazette
Contact:  http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/879
Author:  Bonnie Tobin

UNEQUAL JUSTICE RAISES QUESTIONS

I read the article in The School Zone (section B of the Press-Gazette) about
the mock beer party. This was a play written and performed by high school
students. The play was to educate students about the consequences of alcohol
and drugs.

In the play, seven students had a house party with beer and marijuana.
The two teens who provided the beer and marijuana could be charged as
adults. Because they passed the lit marijuana cigarette to the others,
they could be charged with distributing a controlled substance, which
is a felony. If convicted, they could spend 10 years in prison.

Please don't misinterpret what I am saying. I am not taking a pro
drug/alcohol stance. What bothers me is this: On the front page of the
March 26 Press-Gazette, I read that a man named Wilbur Leslie
continually punched an innocent 2-year-old child, Taylor Farah, until
the child's liver and pancreas ruptured. The child died and Wilbur
Leslie received 15 years in prison.

I question not only our system but also, especially, Judge Richard
Dietz, who sentenced the murderer. Fifteen years for killing a child?
Ten years for passing a joint?

Bonnie Tobin
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin