Originally Posted By: john_pifer
Just for "fun", I'm curious. Take the example of my co-worker who had a bullet lodged in his arm on July 4 while watching fireworks a couple of years ago. Let's say the perpetrator was caught, and it was proven that he was responsible, and had negligently discharged a pistol, injuring my friend (a girl was also hit in the back, as I recall).
What should his punishment be?
That's not what guns are for. Accidental discharge is bad enough. But willful negligent discharge, (most likely under the influence of alcohol, and God knows what else), is inexcusable. If a person dies from it, the punishment should be right along the same lines as second degree murder. Depending on the injury, if the victim survives, it's no different than aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Bottom line, years in prison. At least that's how I see it.
In addition if injured, the victim should be able to sue the perp in civil court for pain and suffering, medical expenses, time off work, damaged property, and anything else they had to deal with because of the injury.