Terrorism Charges for Boys Accused in Plot: Is this justice?

[cynatnite]

CAMDEN, N.J. - Four teenagers accused of plotting to kill about 25 people in a lunch-period massacre at a high school were charged Thursday under a terrorism law created after the Sept. 11 attacks.

snip:
Authorities said the boys did not have any weapons to carry out the alleged plot. But one law enforcement official who spoke on the condition of anonymity said they tried to buy a handgun.

The charges are serious enough that prosecutors could ask a judge to move the case to adult criminal court. Prosecutors have 30 days to consider.

No one in New Jersey has been convicted under the terrorism law, which carries a mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison without parole.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060407/ap_on_re_us/teens_arrested_threats

I do think these boys should be punished, but it should at least fit the crime. Thirty years without parole for teen boys?????

This goes too far, IMO.

[AX10]

1. They should be charged with attepted murder.

[cynatnite]

4. It sounds more like it should be conspiracy to commit murder...

seems to be a more fitting charge.

[RaleighNCDUer]

5. What attempted murder?

They didn't have a single weapon between them.

I don't think, from what I've read, that this even reaches the level of conspiracy. It was just talk.

[mike_c]

2. one of the defining characteristics of fascism....

http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Fascism/14_Characteristics_Fascism.html

12. Obsession with Crime and Punishment -- Under fascist regimes, the police are given almost limitless power to enforce laws. The people are often willing to overlook police abuses, and even forego civil liberties, in the name of patriotism. There is often a national police force with virtually unlimited power in fascist nations.

[soothsayer]

3. ooh, that made me shudder! Damn, sam.