COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio House has approved tougher punishment for anyone who threatens or assaults a judge, and the legislation could mean a death sentence for murdering a member of the judiciary.
The bill that passed the House on Tuesday now moves to the state Senate.
Its stiffer penalties include a mandatory one-year prison sentence for aggravated assault on a judge or magistrate.
Killing a judge would become an aggravating circumstance for imposing the death penalty for aggravated murder.
Democratic State Rep. Lorraine Fende says increasing reports of attacks and threats against judges led her to introduce the measure.
One Licking County judge has had a fake bomb placed on his car and once received a threatening letter signed in blood.
For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail stories@nbc4i.com.
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement