<\/p>\n
Sigh. Why do people do this?<\/p>\n
MUSKOGEE, Okla. (RNS) A district judge in Oklahoma who sentenced a 17-year-old boy to 10 years of church attendance is standing by his sentence as the right thing to do — even if it may not have been the constitutional thing to do.<\/p>\n
Judge Mike Norman gave Tyler Alred a 10-year deferred sentence for DUI manslaughter. Alred was driving a Chevrolet pickup in the early morning hours of Dec. 4, 2011 when he hit a tree. His passenger and friend, 16-year old John Dum, was pronounced dead at the scene.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Norman also ordered the boy to finish high school and complete welding school. Everyone involved has agreed to the sentence.<\/p>\n
However, the ACLU isn’t happy.<\/p>\n
Ryan Kiesel, the executive director of the Oklahoma chapter of the ACLU<\/a>, said the requirement to attend church is a \u201cclear violation of the First Amendment.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s my understanding that this judge has recommended church in previous sentences, and I believe that goes too far, as well,\u201d Kiesel said. \u201cThis, however, actually making it a condition of a sentence, is a clear violation of the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Norman said he didn\u2019t believe his sentence would pass a legal challenge — but he doesn\u2019t believe either side will seek an appeal.<\/p>\n
\u201cBoth families were satisfied with the decision,\u201d Norman said in an interview. \u201cI talked to the district attorney before I passed sentence. I did what I felt like I needed to do.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
A rep. for The Oklahoma chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State have an interesting take on the situation:<\/p>\n