Police Violence

Further to our conversation on police violence, particularly against people of color, here we have a case of aggravated battery.

Given that it took place in California, we turn to California Penal Code section 243(d), and learn that aggravated battery is battery with “serious bodily injury.” To prove you guilty of this offense, the prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the following: 1) you touched the person of another; 2) you did so willfully; 3) you did so in a harmful or offensive manner; and 4) your target suffered serious bodily injury as a result.

If charged as a misdemeanor, he may only do a year. If a felony, up to four years. I’m hoping for the latter, and I think there is a good chance, because the “peace officer” weighs at least three times, probably four or five times, more than his 14-year-old victim, and probably has 20 times the muscle mass.  Of course, it’s possible that no “serious bodily harm” resulted from this disgusting crime, but that doesn’t seem possible as we watch the video.

If this doesn’t turn your stomach, I feel sorry for you.