About that teen drunken driver who used the "affluenza" defense...
I just read a column that puts it in perspective.
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/16178900-ill-accept-affluenza-as-soon-as-poverty-enza-becomes-a-viable-legal-defense
I'll accept ‘affluenza' as soon as ‘poverty-enza' becomes a viable legal defense
The “affluenza” case in Texas has ignited widespread outrage and inspired petitions to get the judge who accepted this made-up term as a viable legal defense kicked off the bench permanently.
Ethan Couch, 16, of Fort Worth avoided jail and was sentenced to 10 years probation and rehab after being convicted of killing four people in a drunken driving spree. Others were also injured, including one of his friends, who was paralyzed.
So as the young Couch lives out his “punishment” at Newport Academy, a Club Med-type rahab facility in California, and his rich parents foot the almost half-a-million-dollar tab for his “intensive therapy,” I thought I should explore the deep ramifications of his affluenza sentence.
The Couch defense team successfully argued that the teen should not be held accountable for killing four people during his drunken rampage on the road because his affluent lifestyle rendered him incapable of knowing better.
Couch's lawyers said his rich parents did not teach him right from wrong but instead over indulged him with a life of privilege with no boundaries.
Full story: http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/16178900-ill-accept-affluenza-as-soon-as-poverty-enza-becomes-a-viable-legal-defense
= new reply since forum marked as read
A poor kid who wants to get some kicks on Saturday night may not have many affordable options; some cheap drugs or alcohol and a joy ride with friends may be about it. Rich kids may have access to all kinds of expensive toys. Kids also learn right and wrong at school, on TV and film, etc. so you can't just blame it all on the parents.
