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SteelHands · 61-69, M
Ideally-
The prescribed guidelines for the three forms of homicidal acts give some discretion to a judge and all intentional taking of life is supposed to be treated accordingly.
Maliciousness of intent is usually apparent and more easily shown in evidenciary proceedings in officer related deaths. So that those killers are likely to get the most severe penalties.
In practice -
Both Prosecutorial and the subsequent sentencing guidelines now consider the status of the victim in the case. So I would look very closely at the officers record to make sure that the officer victim's record did not reflect a Wyatt Earp or badge heaviness that may have been a contributing factor to bring about the death, as well as the victims historical assumed sacred position of trust that was violated to increase or possibly reduce the penalty.
In other words, I would be an honest jurist, knowing what I know.
The prescribed guidelines for the three forms of homicidal acts give some discretion to a judge and all intentional taking of life is supposed to be treated accordingly.
Maliciousness of intent is usually apparent and more easily shown in evidenciary proceedings in officer related deaths. So that those killers are likely to get the most severe penalties.
In practice -
Both Prosecutorial and the subsequent sentencing guidelines now consider the status of the victim in the case. So I would look very closely at the officers record to make sure that the officer victim's record did not reflect a Wyatt Earp or badge heaviness that may have been a contributing factor to bring about the death, as well as the victims historical assumed sacred position of trust that was violated to increase or possibly reduce the penalty.
In other words, I would be an honest jurist, knowing what I know.