Quote:
Originally Posted by cuervo72
Yep. Cowardice may be despicable, but I never realized it was criminal.
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Cowardice is not generally criminal, but Florida has statutes specifically covering people classified as caregivers for children which criminalizes neglect.
A school nurse could be charged under the same statute if they say, refused to treat a bleeding student because they thought blood was gross. Whereas you and I don't have to get involved in either a shooting or a medical emergency.
The legal question in this case is whether a school resource officer is a "caregiver" under the statute. A regular police officer is specifically, by statute, not a caregiver under Florida law and couldn't be charged like this. Peterson's defense team has already filed a motion to reduce bond which includes argument that Peterson isn't a caregiver, and I'm sure they'll file a motion to dismiss on that ground later. The answer to that question will turn on what his duties were, what his training was, etc. Or the parties could settle before then rather than risk the outcome of that motion.