News

In theory, concurrent sentences are an acknowledgement that it is not fair to give multiple punishments for the same crime. However, it is often desirable to charge someone with multiple offences fir the same crime, as they might be found innocent of the more serious offense (or have some of the convuctions overturned on appeal).

For example, in the case of a homicide, you often see the defendent charged with both murder and manslaughter for the same act. In such a case the defendent would likely get a concurrent sentence because they were only convicted of a single act.

In many cases, the line between multiple convictions being a single "act" is blurry, the judge can exersise discretion.

Neither rape, nor assault are part of a sentence.

A victims forgiveness should have no bearing on an attempted terrorist attack

The fact that his victims were better people than he is shouldn't impact sentencing. We already knew that before he got to trial.

“I know how valuable those grandpa years are,” Dunn said after reading his letter to the judge. “I assure the court we can live in peace as neighbors. Someone must take the first step toward peace.”

That's truly heartwarming. Until you realize he's just ensured Emanuel can just get a few more years of reinforcing for his grandkids how worthless those n***rs are, really cementing the next generation of racist bigots.

Prior to the attack in September 2022, Emanuel shouted racial slurs at the group from his white Ford F-250, and demanded that the men leave the area, court records show.

After Dunn responded they were parked on a public road, Emanuel sped off only to return minutes later — his truck charging toward the group. Dunn’s son, Frederick Douglas Dunn, leaped into the grass, saving himself by mere inches.

How wonderful that we're respecting the need for this racist, murderous, bigot's family to continue receiving his influence for as long as possible.

A big part of the prison system is to remove threats from society. It's fantastic that this guy's victims survived and it's also really good and healthy for them to ask for mercy as it means they likely aren't holding the negative feelings that will continue to hurt them in the long term. But the legal system should go above and beyond the victim's desires to protect the rest of society because this guy's next victims might not be so lucky.

I agree that forgiveness is the more compelling aspect of the story. Obviously, the very lenient sentence jumps out and it doesn't seem like appropriate punishment. On the other hand, this guy has a year to sit in prison and think about why the victims chose to forgive him. It's possible that's more likely to change him than being locked up for 5 or 6 years. If you want some old, racist loser to die a racist loser then you lock him up for a long time. Instead, he's getting an opportunity at redemption that could possibly have a greater effect than just locking up some old bastard until he dies. I mean, we eventually have to change these people. This could be a much more interesting story than rage bait.