Gary Drescher wrote:

"George Patterson" wrote in message
news:YjCte.3$Z.1@trndny05...

John Larson wrote:

If he stole the plane, and then went joyriding in it, that's not a theft
in most States either.

How the hell can anyone say with a straight face that stealing isn't
theft?


In many states, the law distinguishes unauthorized use from theft. If you
intend to keep it (or to destroy it, or to pass it on to someone else), then
you've stolen it; if you just intend to ride around briefly and let the
owner have it back, then you've made unauthorized use of it, which is a
lesser offense. (I'm not sure how the burden of evidence works with regard
to that distinct
Peoples' Republic of MA doesn't want kids to have their records ruined
by a grand theft conviction. So they invented "unauthorized use".

Personally, and I know you didn't ask, I think felony convictions should
be tattooed between the 8th and 9th ribs. This area is the least likely
to be damanged in accidents. If guy is a multiple offender or there is
evidence of a scar because a previous tattoo has been removed, fire up
Old Sparky.

__________________________________________________ _____________________________
William W. ("Bill") Plummer
7 Country Club Drive
Chelmsford, MA 01824
978-256-9570