This case is a prime example of why our country originally separated the juvenile justice system from the adult justice system.
These kids really (apparently) believed that knocking him out wasn't going to kill him---a fallacy perpetuated by hollywood, btw. Truth is, to knock someone out, you have to be only the tiniest bit away from killing them, and you're very likely to cause them some permanent brain damage even if they live.
These kids displayed the lousy judgment of kids.
That doesn't make their victim any less dead.
But we separate the juvenile justice system from the adult justice system because adults who did this would have been a slam dunk to be lifelong, hardened criminals. These kids, there's every chance that with a stint in juvie to give them time to grow up, and some therapy made available on a voluntary, supportive basis, that they could be ordinary, functional, responsible members of society.
The thirst for revenge at the expense of justice is why we separate the justice system from people who knew or were close to the victim.
They are kids, and they didn't intend to kill anyone. Rehabilitation---and not in some brainwashing quack facility---is justice.
It's terrible that there's a dead guy. Nothing will bring him back. His employer contributed quite a chunk to his death by breaking the rules that were there for his workplace safety.
The employer is an adult. What the hell is his excuse?
I have little sympathy for employers who stint on their obligations under employee safety laws. Blind, reckless greed isn't pretty.
The kids are entitled to their day in court, and even if found guilty are entitled to justice. Whatever happens to them, I hope they get simple justice.
Julie
