-> DA> But what if someone stands on the public sidewalk in front of
-> your DA> house and yells out "I'm going to kill you asshole!"  Is he
-> merely DA> exercising his 1st amendment rights?  How would you feel
-> if someone DA> were to do that
->
-> Let's clarify this.  I believe the above should be illegal, but I do
-> not equate it to the same level of seriousness (and penalties) as
-> cold-blooded murder (I know you didn't say so otherwise).
->
-> There are different ways of dealing with this problem.  First of all,
-> it is probably disorderly conduct or disturbing the peace in most
-> localities or states.
Yes.  But where is the evidence?  If the cops don't see it themselves,
and unless you videotape the person making the threats, there is no
evidence for the cops to go by.
-> It certainly does not merit 20 to 30 years at
-> hard labor in a federal prison.
Correct.
-> Some victims might even employ their own "methods" that might be
-> considered vigilantism.  I'm not saying I would do that, nor am I
-> saying I would advocate that; however, many Americans are
-> resourceful and won't go crying first to the government for help.
-> Perhaps that's why we have so much crime (because people first look
-> to government to solve their problems).
->
-> Finally, this sort of action could well be resolved as a civil
-> action.  I can't imagine any credible judge not issuing a
-> restraining order against such reprehensible conduct as you
-> described.
Again, you need evidence to win a civil action.  And you need something
to present to the judge other than your own testimony to get a
restraining order.
-> If the judge tolerates it, then that judge is very much
-> part of the problem.
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