12 and 13 is old enough to understand right from wrong. Consequences are a funny thing–every action has them. What these kids did is despicable–clearly they aren’t innocent babies. More like hateful brats. Maybe the idea is to scare them into a capacity for intelligence, tolerance, and forethought. I hope they get counseling too–racial hate does not occur in a vacuum–I’d bet their parents aren’t exactly open minded.

Cases like this are so gray, it is hard to tell what punishment would be fitting unless you are close to the situation. Without knowing all of the facts, I would say the judges decision to hold without bail is fitting. I believe if they were let out on bail they wouldn’t understand the severity of the situation. Again, without knowing the persons involved any speculation is just that…speculation.

@CG — Thanks for sharing that.

Is this the same sentence as for any other juvenile assault charge? I don’t hold with one crime being worse and called a “hate”crime, most crimes ARE hateful. And it hurts the victim whether it was the color of their skin, their religion or just because they were unliked/smaller/weaker/looked funny/have red hair/wear glasses/etc.. It’s all the same bowl of noodles to me.
So my answer is: if this is how they treat all kids who beat up kids, then no. No bail. But if this is a harsher penalty- I cry foul!

Bail? When did juvenile court systems start releasing kids on bail? I was a “troubled” teen during the 1970′s and had extensive contact with multiple jurisdictions spanning three states not once ever was getting bailed out even a remote possibility. You were either released to your parent/guardian or not. The issue of money only came up once when my father was threatened by a juvenile jail to charge him if he did not come get me.
On a secondary note instead of focusing on these two young ladies and the consequences of their obviously extreme behavior, maybe its time to take a look at the adults who ignored the blatant warning signs that these girls were a danger to other students.
Or maybe take a look at the mixed signals we send to our children.
If your thinking of flaming me then I suggest you may be part of the problem rather than the solution. Simply put I’m not the problem,and all I am doing is hoping I can get a few minds to think so that maybe one day all children can go to school and not have to fear going to the bathroom because that’s where the bullies are.