They don't even have to get themselves "roughed up". Apparently they can just accuse someone of roughing them up and still win a case on a "he said, she said" basis. Unbelievable!
That's the part that gets me, the conviction is apparently based on an accusation. Why would you assault someone, then give them cookies and water?
But, I admit, at first sight I thought this story was a hoax. Then, I saw ... Southern Poverty Law Center. That makes it more believable.
http://www.splcenter.org/center/contact.jsp