Miller told the judge that the boy's father "does not have relationships, he takes hostages." He said the boy's mother was indulgent: "Her mantra was that if it feels good, do it." Oh well, then lets reinforce that by letting the kid get away with manslaughter, right?
The theory, which got the kid just 10 month probation running the four people down, describes a condition in which rich kids have a sense of entitlement, are irresponsible, make excuses for poor behavior, and sometimes dabble in drugs and alcohol. In other words, a license to kill - the spoiled brat defense!
But not all psychologists agree, Dr. Gary Buffone said, "The defense is laughable, the disposition is horrifying ... not only haven't the parents set any consequences, but it's being reinforced by the judge's actions."
The defense attorney is rationalizing the sentence by saying that if the kid had gotten a 20-year prison sentence, he would have been released in two years. Under this sentence he remains in the system for 10 years with no time off. Little consolation to the grieving families of course.
And a terrifying example of a double-standard most will quickly see no doubt. A poor black kid would have gotten a long sentence, this kid is white, rich, and skates. This time, those who say blacks get a raw deal have a point.
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