Why the Florida Felony rule is unjust



Why the Florida Felony rule is unjust

Florida and other states of America have what is called, “The Felony Rule.” It is when someone who

wasn’t directly involved in the death of someone else was involved in the felony which led to that

individual’s death.

A perfect example of this is the case of Jennifer Mee from Florida. As a nineteen year old Jennifer was

involved in a mugging which led to the death of the victim. Her two male accomplices carried out the

mugging and during this process the victim was shot.

There was no intent involved in the death. It was simply a matter of unintended consequences as far as

Jennifer was concerned.

The trio were convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life without parole. 

Thinking about this case it is difficult to see how anyone can justify such a harsh sentence when there is

no intent involved because Jennifer received the same sentence as some of the worst murderers in the US.

While the rule’s intention is to deter crime, its broad application often leads to disproportionately harsh

sentences for individuals who may not have intended any harm or even anticipated that a death would occur. In many cases, those convicted under this rule, as is the case with Jennifer, receive the same sentences as individuals who commit premeditated murder, despite having vastly different levels of culpability.

Some may say, "This is Florida law," but if this is the case then Florida lawmakers have changed the

definition of murder.

According to the dictionary’s definition, Jennifer’s role in this tragedy is manslaughter, or involuntary

manslaughter as it is often called in the United States.

That being so, this is WRONG and needs to be put right.

It is the responsibility of the Florida lawmakers to do something about this and to examine unjust laws of

those cases such as Jennifer.

Imagine the outcry if all of the passengers of a vehicle were charged with the same traffic violation as the

driver.

Sign the petition here

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