Seattlest: Not Guilty Plea in Traffic Circle Beating

Kim Ruehl

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:53:54 -0800

i was definitely tested on this in high school. must've been the half-year government class. which, clearly, taught me so much that i don't remember.

abbey

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:41:27 -0800

I believe murder charges are based on intent, while manslaughter is what people are charged with when they do something illegal and kill someone without pre-planning or intent. Thanks Law & Order (the original and SVU, troy) and an far away Intro to Law class in college!

TroyJMorris

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:36:03 -0800

Yeah, but which is L&O or CSI did your education come from?

Eco Geek

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:43:18 -0800

Damn you thursday, you beat me to the punch.

Eco Geek

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:02:07 -0800

Isn't there the whole distinction between murder and homicide or manslaughter? I have no idea, I just watch to many Law and Order reruns.

thursday

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:43:49 -0800

If I'm remembering my CSI correctly, that would be "manslaughter" instead of "murder".

Kim Ruehl

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:40:41 -0800

i think if your actions result in the death of another person it's still legally murder, right? i'm no lawyer, but i vaguely remember that from whatever class i would've learned that in.

sevenless

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:38:28 -0800

Am I the only one wondering that, while Brown is clearly an intolerable menace, did he really commit murder? It seems like from the reports that traffic circle guy gets into fight with girls, girls' friend Brown is summoned and punches the guy. Guy falls down, cracks head and later dies. For sure his death is a result of Brown's actions, but it doesn't seem like it's obviously "...a killing caused by dangerous conduct and the offender's obvious lack of concern for human life...." Dangerous conduct, yes, obvious lack of concern, though? Maybe this would come out in a trial. Anyway, he's definitely guilty of something so surely there will be some plea bargain, and this will never go to trial. If it does, though, please save this post so I don't have to be on the jury.