Why do we need a law? Isn't a murder a murder? If you kill your girlfriend should you get less time than if you kill a "gang member" or a drug-buying customer?
I'm convinced these crime classifications only serve one purpose and that is to allay the middleclass taxpayer's fears of criminals. It's a mental thing. The newsmedia reports a murder. We all shudder thinking it could happen to us. But then the media says it is 'gang-related' and we think, "Hey, I'm not in a gang, this murder has nothing to do with me. I'm still safe and can ignore this problem." It's the new substitute for reporting the race of the murderer and murder victim.
How is "drug related" different from "gang related"? Inquiring minds wish to know.
ReplyDeleteYou can deal drugs in Baltimore and not be a gang member.
ReplyDeleteThat just takes us back to the age-old discussion: What is a gang?.
ReplyDeleteIt's defined in the Maryland law check it out if you still have any questions. It's really not that complex.
ReplyDeleteReally? Where?
ReplyDelete9-801 of the Criminal Law Article. "Definitions"
ReplyDeleteSubsection (c) specifically.
Hey, whaddaya know?
ReplyDeleteWith that definition, my neighborhood's civic association is a criminal gang. It meets all the criteria.
ReplyDeleteWhat crimes do you all engage in to make money? Or do you like to intimidate people?
ReplyDeleteWhat's your common sign, symbol or name?
In all seriousness, this is why the State's Attorney's Association says this law needs to be tightened.
Why do we need a law? Isn't a murder a murder? If you kill your girlfriend should you get less time than if you kill a "gang member" or a drug-buying customer?
ReplyDeleteI'm convinced these crime classifications only serve one purpose and that is to allay the middleclass taxpayer's fears of criminals. It's a mental thing. The newsmedia reports a murder. We all shudder thinking it could happen to us. But then the media says it is 'gang-related' and we think, "Hey, I'm not in a gang, this murder has nothing to do with me. I'm still safe and can ignore this problem." It's the new substitute for reporting the race of the murderer and murder victim.
I love gang-on-gang hits. Saves us money in court costs and prisons.
ReplyDeletePlus you are reducing the animal population.