Laying Down the Law: taking domestice violence seriously

By Jeff Bosshard

The Law provides for the punishment of violent behavior. Some crimes don't merit a jail sentence, but Judges have to make it clear that violence will not be tolerated.

Any sort of violent crime has to be handled with firmness the first time, so there won't be a second time. But we can be firm without being harsh. Too many defendants in many different kinds of criminal cases plead "guilty" or "no contest" for economic reasons -- they simply cannot afford to miss work long enough to have a fair trial. Or they do not understand or appreciate our culture which shuns domestice violence. We have to develop alternative programs to punish first time offenders, as our jails are not big enough to hold everyone who comes through the system.

I will continue to work with leaders of the ethnic communities to make sure everyone is informed of our laws and customs, understands the legal system, and knows their legal rights.

But those who insist on committing violent crime, violating the freedom and rights of others, will be appropriately punished according to law.