Date: Monday, 20 October 1997 04:16:19 -0400
From: "Jim & Debbie" <lamiya@onecom.com>

In Ohio, in May of 1995, a new law was passed that if the authorities were called to a domestic dispute one of the involved parties would be arrested. First off, I understand the reasoning of this law, but the outcome poses nothing but problems for all involved.

I feel in any relationship at times you will reach a point at which you come to yelling and hollering at one another. In my case this happened one night and the neighbors called the police. By the time they showed up we where in bed and asleep, but since the police where called I was arrested. The next day by the time I was able to post bond my employer informed me that I no longer had a job. This in turn caused major financial, emotional, and personal problems for myself and my wife. Once my case came to court I was only fined $25 (but I was unemployed and now have a Domestic Violence charge on my permanent record) Does this seem like JUSTICE!

I am presently employed at a job I like, but I'm making about half of what I did before, and still have problems explaining to potential employers what my reasons are for being a "Women Beater" and how they are supposed to overlook this flaw in my personality.

To make things short, changes need to be made, but did they take things too far?

American Injustice's comments:

Imagine the possibility of the police arriving at the wrong house. The wrong person gets arrested and the wrong person gets hauled into jail.

What happens if the police arbitrarily decide there is probable cause that a crime has been committed and decide to search your house? Do you have any marginally illegal substances in your home? Do you have any weapons, legal or illegal, in your home? The possibilities are endless. Do not underestimate the awesome power of the state. See Legal Abuse Syndrome