If they really wanted to slug this thing out, I think they'd have grounds on the basis that a court cannot force a person to apologize for something. To do so is to force a person to admit guilt; something anathema to our justice system.
I like your point. Can you force someone to plead guilty to something? No, it is their choice. So how can you force someone to "write a letter of apology"? If he is not sorry he tried to help Terri, how can he be Constitutionally forced to say he is?
This is the stuff of nightmares.
God Bless this little one who knew the decision to kill mentally broken but physically healthy human being in a NAZI KAMP style death, forcing her to DIE of hunger and thirst, is beyond brutal. Is, in fact, insane.
Okay, I am not a lawyer, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night.
Since the kid already admitted guilt by pleading guilty, the judge isn't forcing the kid to admit guilt. He (the kid) already did.
Now it can be argued that even though the kid admitted guilt, he feels no remorse and should not be forced to write a letter for something that he acknowledges was illegal but morally right.
I find it outrageous that the courts would require anyone to apologize for anything. Aside from the fact that the kid has nothing to apologize for, a forced apology is no apology.
Which was a possibly unforeseen ramification of the "guilty" plea he made. I would have suggested "no contest."
"To do so is to force a person to admit guilt; something anathema to our justice system."
He did admit guilt, though. I like to think I'd plead not guilty, and accuse the judge of acting as an accomplice to murder. On the other hand, maybe he doesn't see this as something he's going to have to explain to The Judge, when he stands before Him, so while guilty isn't exactly what he is, he'll admit to it to let things calm down, while we supposed adults figure out what to do next. And the children shall lead them...
He pled guilty - they would ahve no legal legs to stand on.
ping. a probe.
He already plead guilty in court, so admitting guilt is a forgone conclusion. The problem here is that "I'm sorry you didn't like that..." and "I am also sorry you didn't help save her life..." are not apologetic statements in the least. The judge should slap contempt charges on everyone involved.
"If they really wanted to slug this thing out, I think they'd have grounds on the basis that a court cannot force a person to apologize for something. To do so is to force a person to admit guilt; something anathema to our justice system."
That seems to be a good point. How bout it holdonnow? Was it really proper and legal for this court to demand an apology from this boy who was trying to give water to Terry Shiavo?