I just don't call things equal if they're not.

I opened the article link with the expectation of some mention of placement at a mental hospital. I'm really at a loss for words--prison? An IQ of 47 suggests an intellect in line with a child of less than 8 (I'm basing this on a few documents I was able to find, citing higher IQ levels as representative of a child of 8). He will ostensibly be sent to a typical Texas state prison if an appeal fails. Can you imagine a small child in a prison? He will be destroyed.

Jurors said they sent the judge notes during deliberations in February, asking about alternatives to prison, but didn't get a clear answer.

This single detail sounds like it has the potential to compel a mistrial.

I'm also bemused by the judge's statement of, "In the state of Texas, there isn't a whole lot you can do with somebody like him." Since when? I was raised in Texas and I recall the state having several state hospitals, often housing the "criminally insane". What disqualifies this defendant? He is so obviously beyond the bounds of the prison system and can only rightfully be placed in a mental facility. The statement is just absurd to me. Granted, Texas state law is not something I've ever been keen to immerse myself in the study of , but this strikes me as false. I know they've imprisoned criminals (violent ones at that) who failed mental competency evaluations.

Just an astonishing finding all around. I don't know what else to say.

Great! That means we kill the murderers!

Saves money vs keeping them in prison for the rest of their lives.

Maybe some states *ahem*California*ahem* should take a hint

there's better ways to save tax money. it's not like killing people is the only way to save wealth.

If you are saying that mentally disabled people should not be in prison then the prison's would be empty.I am also not sure that intelligence is important in moral questions.I personally believe all child molesters should be hung in a public square.What kind of society does not protect the innocent?God bless Texas!

Originally posted by debz325
If you are saying that mentally disabled people should not be in prison then the prison's would be empty.I am also not sure that intelligence is important in moral questions.I personally believe all child molesters should be hung in a public square.What kind of society does not protect the innocent?God bless Texas!

KILL EM ALL! KILL EM ALL! FOR THE CHILDREN!

*sarcasm*

[edit on 12-6-2009 by Donnie Darko]

I personally like Texas Justice! And don't think this kid(and that is what he is) will truly be sentenced to prison. This case will be appealed, and that appellate judge will greatly reduce the sentence if he doesn't throw it out completely. He will probably be sent to some sort of group home where he can be monitored constantly.
Texans aren't barbaric. But some of their judges harken back to to the days of Judge Parker, who, by the way, practiced his particular form of justice in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Now let me tell you, us Razorbacks know what to do with criminals. (But we take care of the retarded ones.) I know "retarded" is not potically correct, and further more, my dear, I don't gived a Damn!