The suspect branded his 15-year-old friend by heating a fork, key ring, cross, a heart-shaped cookie cutter, and a crucifix over several hours. The boys "thought it was cool" but the victim's parents didn't and alerted authorities. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | Associated Press)
What's the legal mechanism for punishing kids who engage in consensual activity--no matter how bad the idea?
Posted by: Displaced | Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 05:53 AM
it isnt a body piercing and it isnt tattoo. how are they going to make this charge stick?
Posted by: buddy | Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 06:00 AM
I'm confused. If the brandee is not legally retarded, and the brandor didn't tie him down, what is the crime? Your kid did something stupid Mom... just like you raised him to do.
Posted by: Adam | Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 06:03 AM
Should have skipped the skin and stuck to the psyche like Corporate.
Posted by: sometimesilie | Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 06:14 AM
I think the current reasoning is that as a minor, the brandee couldn't give his consent but as a criminal, the brandor may be charged with anything the police want.
I'm surprised he isn't being charged as a sex offender and terrorist too.
Posted by: Lou Sussler | Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 06:39 AM
It's the same reasoning that allows the brandee to be called a victim even though the activity was consensual.
Posted by: Lou Sussler | Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 06:40 AM
To any minor that cruises this site;
I double dog dare you to brand yourself or a consenting friend with OS&RR. A bent coathanger should do the trick. Don't forget photos!!
Posted by: thomas | Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 06:48 AM
I'm curious why the kid wanted his friend to brand him in the first place. Imitating a "Jackass" stunt? Mental illness? Sexual fetish? Or good, old-fashioned teenaged stupidity?
Posted by: Phranqlin | Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 06:49 AM
A brand is a registered mark indicating ownership. Brands are registered and recognized by the state and the association they are registered to. Not only did this kid use a brand that did not belong to him, he branded something that did not belong to him. He should be charged for "Rustling" and hung from the nearest tree.
Posted by: RockyMtnMac | Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 06:51 AM
LOL @RMM! It took a westerner to come up with that one! Yeeha!
Posted by: Navy Chief | Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 07:57 AM
Kind of a stupid headline though. Most branding is done with hot objects.
I know, it can be done with supercooled/frozen items, but, usually it is an iron, hot out of the fire. Yummy smell too!
Posted by: johnjohn | Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 08:14 AM
I'm so glad that when I was a kid and wanted to piss off my parents, all I had to do was grow my hair and listen to Mothers of Invention records.
Posted by: Russ | Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 08:48 AM
The part that confuses me is this:
He was charged with one count of tattooing and body piercing, which was filed at the Fayette County Juvenile Probation Office.
That is a crime? Or was the reporter missing the "without a license" qualifier?
Posted by: Rac | Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 11:19 AM
OMG! Teens do stupid shit! Let's SUE!
Posted by: nauip | Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 02:36 PM
The boys "thought it was cool."
Um, why am I having Beevis and Butthead flashbacks here?
Posted by: outofsalt | Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 04:05 PM
Posted by: Phranqlin | Sep 30, 2009 6:49:14 AM:
"I'm curious why the kid wanted his friend to brand him in the first place. Imitating a "Jackass" stunt? Mental illness? Sexual fetish? Or good, old-fashioned teenaged stupidity?"
Reply from Dr. Phril:
All of the above.. Actually what we have here are a couple of today's many "budding" idiots. Almost guarantee both will have a great future. Want fries with that sir?
Posted by: Dr. Phril | Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 08:34 PM