SC Judge Sentences Drunk Driver to Bible Study
- Posted on July 3, 2012 at 8:03am by
Billy Hallowell
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A judge in Rock Hill, South Carolina, has issued a sentence that may have some cheering and others…scratching their heads. Circuit Court Judge Michael Nettles not only gave Cassandra Tolley, 28, an eight-year prison sentence, substance abuse counseling and five years of probation for drunk driving, but he also mandated that she do a Bible study. Yes, that’s right — as in a reading and examination of the Holy Bible.
But Nettles didn’t just tell Tolley that she could read any scripture. He chose a specific book, Job. And, he told the woman that she must write a summary of the Old Testament book for the court. Tolley complied with the sentence and, according to her lawyer, has already commenced the assignment.
Cassandra Tolley
As The Christian Post notes, some have already wondered about the constitutionality of a judge choosing a Bible-based punishment. According to Kenneth Gaines, a law professor at the University of South Carolina, the defendant’s consent makes the scripture reading and summary perfectly legal.
“Under normal circumstances, the judge wouldn’t have the authority to do that…You can’t just arbitrarily add anything you want to a sentence,” he told The Herald of Rock Hill. ”But if she consented, it’s really not an issue. It’s critical that the defendant was in entire agreement with it.”
Some people in the courtroom also agreed with the rare ruling, seeing it as compassionate and citing the abuse Tolley faced throughout her life as a basis for understanding her struggles. The Herald explains:
Nettles declined to comment. But those who were in court that day agreed his decision reflects compassion not just for the victims, but for Tolley, who after years of abuse turned to alcohol.
Tolley, 28, told her pastor and Sikora that a relative repeatedly abused her physically as a child.
On Thanksgiving Day, when Tolley was 11, Sikora said, a relative doused her with gasoline and set her on fire.
Burn scars are visible on her face.
Since moving to Rock Hill from Ohio, Tolley occasionally attended New Vision Free Will Baptist Church, where she met the Rev. Daggett Duncan.
“She’s a very, very, very humble, distraught person,” Duncan said. “Looking in her eyes, you could see the pain. You just couldn’t help but reach out.”
Back in November, Tolley, clearly inebriated, drove on the wrong side of the road and hit a car. As a result of the accident, she seriously injured two men. During the court proceedings, she pleaded guilty and publicly proclaimed her Christian faith.
Considering the choice of Job, a story that highlights suffering and overcoming the odds, it makes sense why — considering the plights of both the perpetrator and the victims — Nettles chose the reading.
(H/T: Christian Post)
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Comments (63)
Meyvn
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 7:43pmNot a bad plan.
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 2:57pmI like this judge. I sincerely hope that reading the Bible will help this woman live beyond her tortuous past. I sincerely hope that she stops drinking (and driving) before she kills herself or someone else. God help her and the people she injured.
Report Post »AndYetItMoves
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 3:13pmPrecisely, let’s hope she replaces her addictive and self-destructive tendencies with tribalism, credulity, superstition, and self righteousness. Let’s hope she proves to be an acceptable member of society by reaffirming her ability to believe in absolutely anything.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 2:48pmIn the Gospels… was Christ not accused of Drinking too much?
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 2:59pmno.
Report Post »saranda
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 3:32pmYes Luke. He was accused of being a drunkard. Matthew 11:19
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 3:57pmSaranda: Corrected. Thank you. Who were the accusers?
Report Post »Meyvn
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 7:48pm@dontbotherme: Probably others that were imbibing behind the scenes, rather than openly. It’s usually how it works.
πίνω, πίω, πόω
Report Post »pinō piō poō
pee’-no, pee’-o, po’-o
The first is a prolonged form of the second, which (together with the third form) occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses; to imbibe (literally or figuratively): – drink.
cranberry
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 1:50pmIf she has half a brain, she will take something away from the bible exercise. Can’t hurt, can it. I hope she turns her life around.
Report Post »JRook
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 2:51pm“It’s critical that the defendant was in entire agreement with it.” There is no story here. Move on.
Report Post »AndYetItMoves
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 3:59pmIt can most definitely hurt, as evidence I submit the neanderthals that frequent this website.
Report Post »antitheist
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 1:02pmLOL. Maybe the judge wants the woman to have sex with her father as the bible describes and endorses instead of drinking and driving.
Genesis 19:31-38
New International Version (NIV)
31 One day the older daughter said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is no man around here to give us children—as is the custom all over the earth. 32 Let’s get our father to drink wine and then sleep with him and preserve our family line through our father.”
33 That night they got their father to drink wine, and the older daughter went in and slept with him. He was not aware of it when she lay down or when she got up.
34 The next day the older daughter said to the younger, “Last night I slept with my father. Let’s get him to drink wine again tonight, and you go in and sleep with him so we can preserve our family line through our father.” 35 So they got their father to drink wine that night also, and the younger daughter went in and slept with him. Again he was not aware of it when she lay down or when she got up.
36 So both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father. 37 The older daughter had a son, and she named him Moab[a]; he is the father of the Moabites of today. 38 The younger daughter also had a son, and she named him Ben-Ammi[b]; he is the father of the Ammonites[c] of today.
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 3:00pmThey were punished for their sins. Must learn the entire lesson.
Report Post »antitheist
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 6:45pmLearn the entire lesson? Everything I’ve researched points that they were not punished as the law against incest had not been written yet.
Report Post »dennisS
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 9:54pmThe Bible describes but does NOT endorse. Where in those verses did you see an endorsement? The Bible describes a great many actions that people have taken, some in great detail but nowhere endorses sin.
Report Post »TeresaJ
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 11:06pmPlease do some research before you disrespect things you know nothing about.
In the time of Lot, nothing was more important for a woman than to have children and to carry on the family line. By their custom, Lot had wronged them by not finding them husbands. Sleeping with your own father wasn’t that acceptable either, but it was a worse shame for them to not have children.
This was the CUSTOM OF THE TIME and has nothing to do with whether God said it was right or wrong. The laws of Moses had not been written yet, and wouldn’t be for hundreds of years.
Report Post »TeresaJ
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 11:37pmI was thinking maybe my first line was a tad too harsh, and I appologize.
I was discussing with my Mom yesterday, that maybe what is a bigger crisis in America, is that people really have no clue what the Bible is about. It used to be, even if they didn’t go to church, the average American at least had some knowledge of the Bible and things of God. But people these days, kids especially, do not. Antitheist is a case in point. How do you argue theology with someone who THINKS they know what the Bible says, but in reality has no clue? Be prayed up with one ear to the Lord I guess.
Report Post »jungle J
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 11:08amI have come to believe that we need to worry as much about progressive Christians as we do any othe enemy within.
Report Post »Elena2010
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 12:27pmDo you understand the book of Job?
Report Post »RT4
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 10:17amPerhaps she is in need of spiritual help. For all of you who believe in GOD, The Lord may have worked through the judge. I hope she takes advantage of this opportunity.
Report Post »AndYetItMoves
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 11:03amThe TRUE LORD would have prescribed the Book of Mormon, seeing as it represents God’s one TRUE religion.
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 11:50amlol @ andyetitmives,
That is about as blatant a troll as it gets!
I am sure you will not be disappointed either, there are many Mormon bashers in here.
Let the games begin…
Report Post »AndYetItMoves
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 10:16amShe would obviously learn much more from a reading of Shakespeare.
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 11:51amYours is a tale told by an idiot! Full of sound and fury, meaning nothing…
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 11:58amoops, signifying nothing…I better bone up on my Shakespeare…
Report Post »N37BU6
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 9:49amI don’t want anyone here complaining when a judge orders someone to study the Quran.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 10:26am“I don’t want anyone here complaining when a judge orders someone to study the Quran.”
If that someone claims to be a devout Muslim looking to turn their life around, I agree, there should be no complaints. It’s not like this was forced on an unbeliever; the woman claimed to be Christian and was accompanied by her pastor in court.
Report Post »NJBarFly
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 10:46amLocked – The question I would ask is, what sentence would the judge have given an atheist? Would it have been 8 years like this woman or would it have been longer? If the judge is giving more lenient sentences to Christians if they study the bible, then this is a problem.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 2:52pm@Njbarfly
“The question I would ask is, what sentence would the judge have given an atheist? Would it have been 8 years like this woman or would it have been longer? If the judge is giving more lenient sentences to Christians if they study the bible, then this is a problem.”
‘m sure there is equivalent atheist literature. Perhaps even forcing her to enroll in AA would help? Although AA does require believing in a “higher power” (not necessarily a deity or God), so perhaps not. There are plenty of self-help books of a secularist nature that could also help.
But I agree: if an atheist in the same position was given a more severe penalty, that bears looking into.
Report Post »JediKnight
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 9:28amI see that the ability to actually read the story has failed most of the Blaze readers today.
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 9:48amYou thought today was gonna be any different?
Report Post »Thornyrose13
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 9:17amWhat happens if she doesn’t do the assignment? More jail time? And what happens if she happens to draw conclusions from the Book of Job that the judge or the majority of Christians do not? Will she be penalized for interpreting the book differently? I could see the judge suggesting this book to her, and even the idea of writing an essay makes sense. But Again, what happens if she doesn‘t meet the judge’s expectations with this order?
Report Post »Since she is a professed Christian, and doesnt object, I have no inherent qualms about this other than the questions listed above. But what happens if the judge ordered an atheist, or a Muslim, or even a Shintoist to do the same? Then we get into ugly 1st amendment grounds.
vaman
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 9:06am8 years in prison? Did she hit someone with her car or just get caught boozing and driving a lot. Hey if she accepts the punishment, then no reason to complain. Although with an 8 year bit and 5 years probation, her life sucks enough as it is. In reality, we all know this judge rules on a daily basis using bible study verses American law. So we have no idea how many of his ruling should be overturned. Good old boy South Carolina mentality, which is a total failure.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 9:16amFrom the article:
“Back in November, Tolley, clearly inebriated, drove on the wrong side of the road and hit a car. As a result of the accident, she seriously injured two men.”
Report Post »Landon410
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 9:02amif govt can force me to do something against my will, whats the difference if the lady agreed to do this or not?
Report Post »Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 8:57amVive le Theocracie! Vive le slaverie! Vive le Jesus!
Report Post »Jezreel
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 8:55amForcing somebody without the spirit of Christ to read the word can be disastrous. You cannot understand the nature and ways of God without the spirit of God. That is why there are so many denominations. You get people who do not have the Lord in the first place and they interpret the word to suit their own agenda. It would have been better if he had her read the books of Matthew Mark Luke and John. I have mixed feelings about this. You cannot force God on somebody who may not even be his or going to be his in the first place. On the other hand, God works in mysterious ways and he can do anything.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 8:58am“Forcing somebody without the spirit of Christ to read the word can be disastrous.”
“During the court proceedings, she pleaded guilty and publicly proclaimed her Christian faith.”
Seems she already considers herself a Christian…
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 9:02amMaybe it is just me, but I usually try to read the stories before I spend time commenting on them.
Report Post »rickc34
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 9:07ammany call themselves Christian but have not asked Christ in thus allowing the indwelling of the Holy Spirit which gives a Christian understanding, that is why a non believer has such a difficult time with the Holy Bible they try to reason their way through it instead of submitting to the word of God. But I have mixed feeling also, if she wants to participate and maybe she has accepted Christ I do not know, all we can do is pray for her, God is always there for all of us just waiting with love and forgiveness all we have to do is ask.
Report Post »vaman
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 9:09am“You get people who do not have the Lord in the first place and they interpret the word to suit their own agenda.” Sounds like blaze readers 100%.
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 8:42amFinally, a “punishment” that can help turn a life around ~~~ forever.
GOD BLESS this judge and this young woman. Reading GOD’S WORD (not nancypee’s “word”), makes your day, here and HOME.
Report Post »LOJ
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 8:40amThis young woman is poluting her brain and killing brain cells every time she gets drunk. 1 corinthians 5:11 says But now I have written to you not to keep company with any one named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner, not even to eat with such a person. People are ruining their lives and others lives by abusing their health. The bible study will hopefully awaken her to a better life and teach her how to respect herself.
Report Post »grudgywoof
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 8:44amWe could all use a bible study on a weekly basis. Keeps the rats out of the cheese.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 8:40amShe agreed to the sentence, and according to the article she proclaimed her Christian faith at the hearing. I don’t find it cruel, although it may be a bit unusual… but again, she agreed to it. Good chance for the judge to make sure she was telling the truth about her faith.
She’s still going away for 8 years though. Hopefully she takes the time to get back in touch with Christ, think about the damage she has done to others, and gets the help needed from professionals to overcome her alcoholism.
Report Post »copatriots
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 8:35amI have no doubt our flawed “separation of church and state” and atheist crowd will show up to discredit everything about this judge, the drunk driver and, of course, Christianity in general.
The book of Job is an excellent choice for this woman. I hope it helps her and that she finds True Peace in her life.
Report Post »The_Cabrito_Goat
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 9:19amSigh, I’m so tired of seeing those same trolls in every topic of faith. Why aren’t there more blaze users dedicated to correcting them? Don’t you guys realize how many thousands upon thousands of people visit here everyday? We have to set up a defense, because there’s just no where else after the blaze to escape from these Fabians!
Report Post »The_Cabrito_Goat
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 9:25amStill, I guess people don’t want to come home from work and have to deal with these impudent jerks. It wouldn’t surprise me if these trolls are paid by the huffington post, or some other Soros institution.
Plus we can’t lose ground on faith topics. It doesn’t matter if we win in immigration topics, 2nd amendment, economics, unions or what have you.
If we lose the faith battle by not participating then we lose everything. The rest won’t matter.
Report Post »copatriots
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 10:22amI do think the majority of trolls are either paid or are completing a college assignment. A few just like the attention. If they spent as much time doing real work or truly seeking knowledge as they did writing their same, tired arguments, it would do them a world of good.
Responding to them just “feeds the beast”. The majority of Blaze readers know the trolls agenda and ignore their posts. As a regular Blaze poster often advances, if the trolls “can’t be sure” whether or not there is God……why do they try so hard to advance their confusion onto Christians who are very confident in our faith? An excellent question indeed. (Hat tip: THERIGHTSOFBILLY)
Report Post »The_Cabrito_Goat
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 12:02pm“If they spent as much time doing real work or truly seeking knowledge as they did writing their same, tired arguments, it would do them a world of good.”
I find what they say to be both tedious and as predictable as the sun rising. I almost am at the point where I can predict their response to what somebody says.
“Responding to them just “feeds the beast”. The majority of Blaze readers know the trolls agenda and ignore their posts.”
I didn’t think of it that way. I feel at ease then. I’d hate to think we have intellectually anemic members here.
“As a regular Blaze poster often advances, if the trolls “can’t be sure” whether or not there is God……why do they try so hard to advance their confusion onto Christians who are very confident in our faith? An excellent question indeed. (Hat tip: THERIGHTSOFBILLY)”
The most these trolls have to show for their efforts is breaking the spirit of an otherwise devout person. Like I said, they are Fabians and use attrition tactics to wear people out.
Report Post »Mr Sanders
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 12:45pm@ The Cabrito Goat
Report Post »You have to pick your battles – sometimes there‘s no need to feed the beast its ’meat’.
Tulsa-time
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 8:32amStudying the Bible helps me stay on track. I know it works if you work it.
Report Post »Tractorboy
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 9:25amAmen brother, I joined a mens study group a while back, it helps keep things in perspective. I find the bible to be the repair manual for the soul.
Report Post »the_system_disconnect
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 8:31amToo bad people don’t sentence themselves to that more often.
Report Post »caleejr
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 8:30ampeople will whine and complain and say “separation of church and state” …and to them I say this: Congress did not make law that establishes religion by this judge ruling the way he did.
LMBO! I think it’s funny.
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 8:23am8 years prison, 5 probation? There is more to this than meets the eye. Habitual DUI I suppose…
Anyway, good on the judge for reading this situation. I pray that my sister can get herself straight through strength in our Lord Jesus Christ. Maybe this “awakening” is what she needs.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 8:32am“8 years prison, 5 probation? There is more to this than meets the eye. Habitual DUI I suppose…”
Says in the article she caused an accident that seriously injured two people.
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 8:55amstill, 8 years on top of probation? She has to have serious prior.
Report Post »randy
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 8:20amGood for him and good for her.
Report Post »Boy this will pi$$ off atheists :)
hahaha
troymac20
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 11:32amDoesn’t piss me off. The woman claims to be a christian and agreed to the sentence. When he tries to force someone who isn’t a christian to the same sentence then I see a problem….but that’s not the case here.
Report Post »SREGN
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 8:17amAmen.
Report Post »