(AP) – Some Missouri school leaders are worried that a new
state law might lead to felony arrests for students involved in fights and
bullying, but legal and legislative officials say the concern is overblown.
The new law, part of an overhaul of a state criminal code that took effect
Jan. 1, increases penalties for third-degree assaults and some cases of
harassment.
Some school superintendents warned parents and their children that students
could face felony charges if they fight with or bully other students. In some
cases, the age of the defendant is not a factor in prosecution.
But Missouri Bar President Dana Tippin Culter says schools have always been
required to report fights that cause serious injuries. She says prosecutors
won’t spend time filing felony charges over minor fistfights.
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