Should Justin Carter be jailed for his sarcastic remarks on Facebook?
(CNN) -- It was a sarcastic Facebook comment during an argument about a video game. And, according to the father of 19-year-old Justin Carter, it was enough to land his son behind bars for months, facing the possibility of years in prison.
Carter, who is currently on suicide watch in Comal County Jail near San Antonio, Texas, has been locked up since February. He faces a charge of making terroristic threats, a felony that could theoretically bring a sentence of up to eight years.
Read the rest of the story here: http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/02/tech/social-media/facebook-threat-carter/index.html?hpt=ju_c2
Yes, he meant it!
Side Score: 5
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No, He was kidding!
Side Score: 29
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While 8 years would be excessive, he should face some consequnces for what he did. I would say give him some community service time. He may have just been kidding, but look back at all those other school shooters who made similar threats. Afterwards people were constantly asking "why did no one see this coming and do something to prevent it." Well it looks like people have been taking note and are no longer turning a blind eye to such threats, even when they are meant as humor. In "The Gift of Fear", a book about accessing dangerous situations, it lists violant humor as a larger indicator to a dangerious person as opposed to famboient threats. It is the more subtle warning we need to take note of. Side: Yes, he meant it!
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Obviously the woman who reported him doesn't go online too often, because the internet is full of comments far worse than what he said. His joke wasn't funny and it was in bad taste, but that's all it was; a joke. Let the kid go home. I'm sure he's learned his lesson. Side: No, He was kidding!
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I don't think this is fair. If this is not an expression of freedom of speech, what is? Edit: If they have no proof, then I don't see what he did as any worse than internet trolls, and ragers who boast their achievements, and the likelihood that they could attack you. Proof of the weapons, not of the comment. That's just a boast, if no proof exists. Side: No, He was kidding!
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I can understand if someone posted that with punctuation that implied they were serious, but he pointed out he was joking; even if it was a bad one. If this comment was really enough for Police to focus on this young man then, they could keep an eye on him. But, it sounds like they are exaggerating this way out of proportion; like so much else. Also, there could be more to this story that is not known. However, I do not think what he said should be enough to charge him with such a crime; that being said, maybe people should check into those laws. The 'government' definition of terrorism is pretty broad and that is not the only language politicians twist around. This is also, not the first time they have arrested someone for posting crap online; for example, the vet in Virginia who was taken into custody and placed in a mental institution without a court order. He had posted lyrics to a song to express his frustrations toward the 'government' on facebook. Makes me think that having a facebook account is quite risky. Side: No, He was kidding!
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Ive read up on this, and I can honestly say that America had just plain given up. They now just don't even care what other countries think of them anymore. They just jail anyone they feel like because it's funny. That's the impression I'm getting here. Side: No, He was kidding!
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He was kidding, that is the kind of stuff I often hear when I play various multiplayer online games. He most likely was trying to show his friends his viciousness in the violent game. If any punishment he should be kicked of the site. 8 years in prison is far to extream. Side: No, He was kidding!
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