Bullying Leading To Criminal Liability Prosecutions
Bullying Leading to Criminal Liability: Overview
When does bullying become criminal?
Bullying involves repeated aggressive behavior but crosses into criminal liability when it includes:
Physical assault or battery
Harassment or stalking
Cyberbullying with threats or intimidation
Contributing to self-harm or death (e.g., bullying-related suicide)
Many states have laws targeting harassment, stalking, assault, and bullying, with increasing recognition of criminal liability for severe bullying acts.
Notable Bullying-Related Criminal Cases
1. United States v. Phoebe Prince (Massachusetts, 2010)
(Note: This case involved criminal prosecution of bullies after tragic suicide)
Background:
Phoebe Prince, a high school student, was bullied relentlessly by classmates in South Hadley, MA, leading to her suicide.
Facts:
Several students used harassment, threats, and verbal abuse both in-person and online.
The bullying included spreading rumors and physical intimidation.
Charges:
Bullying led to criminal charges against six students, including:
Criminal harassment.
Civil rights violations.
Contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Outcome:
Students pleaded guilty to various charges.
This case was one of the first to result in criminal prosecution of bullies connected to a victim’s suicide.
It spurred new anti-bullying legislation in Massachusetts.
2. People v. Josephine Uwaneme (Illinois, 2015)
Background:
A bullying case in Illinois where the defendant physically assaulted a classmate multiple times.
Facts:
Uwaneme was accused of repeatedly assaulting another student in school.
The victim suffered injuries requiring medical treatment.
Charges:
Assault and battery.
School harassment.
Criminal threat (related to bullying behavior).
Outcome:
Uwaneme was convicted.
Received probation and mandatory anger management.
The case reinforced that physical bullying is punishable under assault laws.
3. State v. Dyke (Texas, 2013)
Background:
A cyberbullying case where the defendant sent threatening and harassing messages via social media.
Facts:
Dyke harassed a classmate with repeated online threats.
The victim experienced emotional distress and required counseling.
Charges:
Harassment by electronic communication.
Cyberstalking.
Outcome:
Dyke was convicted and sentenced to community service and probation.
This case highlighted growing enforcement of cyberbullying statutes.
4. People v. Jared Padgett (California, 2014)
Background:
Padgett was prosecuted for physical bullying that led to severe injury.
Facts:
Padgett assaulted a fellow student multiple times over weeks.
The victim suffered broken bones and was hospitalized.
Charges:
Assault with a deadly weapon (due to the severity of injuries).
Battery.
Child endangerment.
Outcome:
Padgett pleaded guilty.
Sentenced to juvenile detention and counseling.
Showed the seriousness courts assign to violent bullying.
5. State v. Megan Meier Cyberbullying Case (Missouri, 2008)
(One of the earliest high-profile cyberbullying prosecutions)
Background:
Megan Meier committed suicide after being cyberbullied by an adult posing as a teen online.
Facts:
Lori Drew, an adult, created a fake MySpace profile to harass Megan.
The harassment contributed to Megan’s death.
Charges:
Lori Drew was charged with misdemeanor computer tampering.
The case tested laws on cyberbullying and criminal liability.
Outcome:
Drew was convicted but later had the verdict overturned on appeal.
The case raised national awareness about cyberbullying and legal gaps.
Summary and Key Points
Bullying leads to criminal liability mostly when it involves assault, harassment, threats, or causes severe harm.
Prosecutions can be based on physical, verbal, or electronic conduct.
Cases often involve charges like assault, harassment, cyberstalking, or contributing to delinquency/suicide.
Courts balance juvenile justice principles with the need for accountability.
Many cases have spurred legislative reforms to better criminalize bullying behaviors.
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