South Carolina Judge Sentences Drunk Driver To Bible Study

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 7/5/12 at 8:50pm

Discuss

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 7/5/12 at 9:57pm

Dumb, yet unsurprising.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 7/5/12 at 10:40pm

Dumb, unsurprising, AND unconstitutional.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 7/5/12 at 11:10pm

"THROW THE BOOK AT 'EM!" has always actually meant the bible. Sorry -- Bible.

[Yawper]

Posted: 7/6/12 at 12:05am

If the defendant was spouting Christian beliefs or invoking Christian sentiment in court I don't have a problem with this and believe it would stand up to a challenge.

If the defendant gave no indication of religious adherence in court or if the judge is doing it routinely without regard to circumstances then it's a problem and would fail a challenge.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 7/6/12 at 12:10am

Yes but even if the defendant was doing nothing but talking about Jesus, Mary and Casper The Holy Ghost, letting this ruling stand is unbelievably dangerous for that state and for the entire country.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 7/6/12 at 12:14am

I'm gonna pray on this and get back to y'all.

[Yawper]

Posted: 7/6/12 at 12:16am

It's not unless it's a pattern of behavior being applied to all defendants regardless of circumstance. The Constitution requires that there be no establishment of religion. Requiring someone of faith to study their professed faith is not government establishment of religion.