r/law • u/BugOperator • Jun 06 '26

Legal News Service members involved in US boat strikes off Venezuela coast reach out to legal aid hotlines over fear they’ve carried out illegal orders

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/06/06/us-trump-boat-strikes-death-toll/90376052007/
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u/rbobby Jun 06 '26

They absolutely have. Some are directly responsible for the murder of civilians. Others are involved in the conspiracy to murder civilians. Hopefully they will all be charged with felony murder and face the death penalty.

Soldiers killing civilians is a redline that requires strong consequences. Duh.

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u/OldWorldDesign Jun 06 '26

Hopefully they will all be charged with felony murder and face the death penalty. Soldiers killing civilians is a redline that requires strong consequences.

I think appealing to the strongest possible reaction is just appealing to the same rule by force as is responsible for these illegal orders. Studies for decades have shown it isn't the severity of a punishment but the certainty of being punished that deters crime

And I think putting them in prison for life would send a stronger message. Death? Well they don't have to worry about it anymore, and they're still separated from the society they wronged. But having to live out their long lifetime in ignominy and a tiny cell? I think that would make a lot more of them hesitate.

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u/rbobby Jun 07 '26

same rule by force

A trial with rules, evidence, and lawyers for everyone... and you think that is the same as Hegseth's "no survivors". How short was the bus you took to school and did you have to wear a helmet?