Terrorist Threat Statute Essay

The Terroristic Threat statute is discussed herein. We start with defining the statute and its punishments, followed by common elements and their importance. Then speculation as to it’s importance in Texas law including how the law’s intent aligns with its application and how its application affects public safety. All states have their own version of a Terroristic Threat statute. While each has it’s differences in definition and application, the common thread is that a threat to commit any violent act is made with the intent to - as the Model Penal Code puts it - “terrorize another person or group of persons.” The Texas Penal Code states the following:
A person commits an offense if he threatens to commit any offense involving violence to any person or property with intent to:
1. Cause a reaction of any type to his threat[s] by an official or volunteer …show more content…
The statute is deeply grounded in public order. From punishing domestic violence and interruption of public services to policing explosive and biochemical threats, this statute helps ensure some deterrence to those susceptible and definite corporal punishment for those convicted. This is the laws attempt to provide a stable foundation for its society. The elements outlined are in place to prevent people who make insensitive statements from being punished and a good judge and jury know not to make a case when someone is not a genuine threat. Though cases are seen where youth otherwise unaffiliated with the system are incarcerated due to what can amount to obscenity; sitting in jail for months in abhorrent conditions awaiting trial. I realize if you don’t do stupid things those stupid things can’t come back to bite you; but the purpose of the justice system must not be lost - the message sen to an offender and society is paramount in their