Teacher cuts girls hair without permission

[Cindy]

It might be interesting to read that particular school's dress code. When my children were in school here unusual hair styles were not tolerated, and clothing or hair that was a distraction. Although I never heard of any teacher that actually cut a students hair. Some boys at that time had really short hair and a little "tail". To play in football they had to get rid of the tail. One boy refused and they actually sued the school district. They lost of course.

[James Griffin]

Originally Posted by cneasttx

Does the family have to file charges for this to be a criminal case James, as opposed to a civil case? Or can the state file criminal charges?

The state can file directly, but it in a case like this I can't see it happening.

For example, in rare cases as a prosecutor I went forward in a few domestic violence cases even when the victim wanted to drop the charges or if she did not even file but I had other eyewitnesses to the assault.

In this case, based on the facts presented so far it seems the highest criminal charge would be misdemeanor assault. So like I said I doubt the state would proceed sua sponte.

Civil suit of course would require the family filing, and based on the facts as presented they would appear to have a very strong tort case if they decided to pursue.

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by James Griffin

The state can file directly, but it in a case like this I can't see it happening.

For example, in rare cases as a prosecutor I went forward in a few domestic violence cases even when the victim wanted to drop the charges or if she did not even file but I had other eyewitnesses to the assault.

In this case, based on the facts presented so far it seems the highest criminal charge would be misdemeanor assault. So like I said I doubt the state would proceed sua sponte.

Civil suit of course would require the family filing, and based on the facts as presented they would appear to have a very strong tort case if they decided to pursue.

Thanks, I was pretty sure it would not be considered felony assault. I agree with your earlier post about the firing instead of suspension. Most authority figures are suspended until after all the facts are heard. So maybe the school district had enough facts to terminate.

[mizpeh]

What do you think? Should they turn the other cheek, forgive this teacher and seek love?

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

What do you think? Should they turn the other cheek, forgive this teacher and seek love?

Are you speaking about the parents?

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by James Griffin

The state can file directly, but it in a case like this I can't see it happening.

For example, in rare cases as a prosecutor I went forward in a few domestic violence cases even when the victim wanted to drop the charges or if she did not even file but I had other eyewitnesses to the assault.

In this case, based on the facts presented so far it seems the highest criminal charge would be misdemeanor assault. So like I said I doubt the state would proceed sua sponte.

Civil suit of course would require the family filing, and based on the facts as presented they would appear to have a very strong tort case if they decided to pursue.

Funny, if this were about Jews or muslims the state would certainly be all over it with press releases declaring an ongoing "Hate Crime" investigation.

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover

Funny, if this were about Jews or muslims the state would certainly be all over it with press releases declaring an ongoing "Hate Crime" investigation.

I agree.

[James Griffin]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

What do you think? Should they turn the other cheek, forgive this teacher and seek love?

It is impossible to speak to another's circumstance.

Personally, I hope that in such a situation I would have the grace to do exactly that.

Some would no doubt feel it almost unAmerican to not "get what's coming to you".

For others I think it would depend somewhat on the teacher's response.

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

What do you think? Should they turn the other cheek, forgive this teacher and seek love?

They should get a judgement to stop reoccurrance of the crime. As to a monetary settlement - I am not in favor unless $$ can repair the damages.

[Rico]

The thing with uncut hair on a female is this: you only have one chance to be able to say your hair has never ever been cut. I know that this is important to those who believe the uncut hair doctrine. This teacher has taken something away from this girl that can never be given back. She can never stand and testify that her hair has never been cut. The girl has had that testimony taken away from her. The girl will, from now on, have to say, "Except for when that teacher cut my hair, it's never been cut." I know this may seem like a minor issue to many of you, but I can promise you it isn't a minor issue to this girl.