Spitting In The Face Is A Crime - What Do You Think?
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
United States
March 11, 2007 12:14pm CST
A man who intentionally spat at another can be charged with criminal assault, a U.S. appeals court ruled on Wednesday.
Jeffrey Lewellyn was sentenced to two years probation and 50 hours of community service after he spat in 2004 at a patient who swore at him on the grounds of a Veterans Administration Medical Center in Walla Walla, Washington.
"Intentionally spitting on another person is an offensive touching that rises to the level of simple assault," the three-judge panel wrote.
I believe that spitting on a person is one of the most disrectful things one person can do to another.
I know there isn't much pain inflicted, but it's just plain wrong. I remember a baseball player spitting on a umpire in the 90s. It was shown all over the television. It was pretty disgusting.
Although some may view this offence at petty, I agree that it should rise to the level of a simple assault.
What do you think? Are we little whimps and overreacting here in the United States?
P.S. I just love the name Walla Walla, Washington.
15 people like this
53 responses
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
11 Mar 07
With the things that the human body can be infected with I am surprised he wasn't charge with attempted murder. Spitting is offensive and there are better ways to express yourself. We must preserve ourselves and this is definitely to be discouraged.
I like to grow the walla walla onions, though when I do they are not called that anymore.
3 people like this
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
11 Mar 07
You are so right. I wonder what makes a person decide that spitting is an appropriate way to express themselves.
Hopefully, two years probation and community service will discourage this type of behavior.
Lloyd
3 people like this
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
11 Mar 07
I never heard of a Walla Walla onion. Is it a cooking type of onion or one you would put in a salad?
Lloyd
3 people like this
@Kellrae (69)
• United States
12 Mar 07
I believe the Walla Walla onion is a sweet onion.Something to do with the soil there. I've read that if you grow them other places, it won't be the same.
Anyway, spitting is gross. It's gross and germy. And if they spit alot, then they probably "hocked a luggie". That's nothing more than blowing your nose on someone. Now you've got germs from both the nose and mouth. Way Gross!!
@sirensanssmile (3764)
• Netherlands
11 Mar 07
No I agree that spitting in someone's face is horrible but not only because it is disgusting it can be dangerous.
I know I am going to sound like a hypocondriac but seriously there is a lot of germs in the mouth. Imagine that bacteria in contact with your eye. They say the eye's mucous membranes are prone to catching sickness.
Imagine if that person had hepetitis or something equally icky like that....
3 people like this
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
11 Mar 07
I didn't even look at from the perspective of the germs a person can spread. Now I believe the 2 year probation and community service was definately the right sentence.
Lloyd
3 people like this
@cjsmom (1423)
• United States
11 Mar 07
I'm glad that they decided to do something about it but I wish the justice system would get their act together and figure out how to consistantly punish the offenders of other crimes. It seems to me that some people are getting punished with longer jail time for crimes that aren't as bad as rape or murder and the real criminals don't seem to get much time. Half the time they don't know what to do. I guess it all depends on how good the lawyer is as well.
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
11 Mar 07
The problem is that there is no consistency in the sentencing guidelines. If you are able to afford a good lawyer, you can also get a shorter sentence.
Lloyd
2 people like this
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
11 Mar 07
Spitting in the face of someone is a pretty disgusting act.
It is also a provoking act which can result in the victim going to jail for responding with physical violence.
I think that you will also find that its sentence has a lot to do with the fact that he spitted at a patient. The guy was probably a nurse or something... and the patient is always right.
In this case... no I don't think it is an over reaction. That sort of behaviour should not be tolerated. Quite frankly... if someone spitted in my face... I would probably break his nose and a few other things. I know the little sh.t will sue me... But at least... he will think twice about it... before doing it again.
3 people like this
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
11 Mar 07
You are right. This behaviour shouldn't be tolerated and he is probably luck he wasn't attacked. I think this guy will think twice before spitting on someone once again.
Lloyd
3 people like this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
11 Mar 07
I suppose it does seem a little wimpy, but at the same time like you said it is nasty and disrespectful. I really wouldn't want other people spitting on me, and I know I wouldn't do it to someone else.
So I think there should be a criminal charge for it. Assault sounds a little too harsh, but considering the punishment this person got for it, I'd say the actual result was about right.
3 people like this
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
11 Mar 07
When I wrote this post, the thought of it being a little whimpy crossed my mind. But after reading a couple of posts discussing the health aspects involved, I've changed my mind.
I think the punishment was about right too.
Lloyd
3 people like this
@marymarj2002 (1769)
• Philippines
12 Mar 07
I would agree to that idea. Spitting to ones' face is a sign of no respect so it should be against the law. Atleast we don't worry that some stupid person who are stupid will not spit on us.
3 people like this
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
12 Mar 07
Most people have said the same thing. Spitting on someone is a sign of no respect. Now we know that it is against the law here in the United States.
P.S. Happy Birthday to you.
2 people like this
@disvachic (10117)
• United States
11 Mar 07
It is nasty and disrespectful to spit at someone but two years on probation thats a bit much.COULD gracious,i guess he know not to spit again.Thats something similar to a case where a lady got put in jail for throwing some juice on somebody while driving. I want to know the outcome on that one.
2 people like this
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
11 Mar 07
It is nasty and directful to spit on someone. I don't think that two years probation is too harsh. I've lived my whole life and never spit on anyone, so two years shouldn't be that difficult.
As for the lady who was put in jail for throwing a cup of ice throw the window of another car, her sentence was reduced from two years in prison to 5 years probation. Her crime is still considered a felon, so whe will have it permanently on her record.
Lloyd
@disvachic (10117)
• United States
11 Mar 07
oh,okay thank you for that information.
2 people like this
@disvachic (10117)
• United States
11 Mar 07
i didnt think about the germs and other with it,but yes now that i think about it the sentence he got isnt harsh at all!He deserved it and i hope he learned his lesson.
2 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
12 Mar 07
If someone was to spit on me I would most likely be the one getting charged with assault because I would knock them silly.
2 people like this
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
12 Mar 07
You are not the first person here who would have taken the law into their own hands.
Anyone who spits on someone should be knocked silly .
Lloyd
2 people like this
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
12 Mar 07
There are a lot of people with her on this one. lol
Lloyd
1 person likes this
@hoghoney (3747)
• United States
12 Mar 07
I am sorry to say that if someone was to spit in my face I think that I would have to beat them down of every inch of their life and if I didnt beat them I am sure they will have to deal with my boyfriend on that matter. My kids dont even spit it is nasty.
2 people like this
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
12 Mar 07
Wow! That sounds like a double beat-down. Both you and your boyfriend. To me, someone spitting in my face would be worst than being slapped in the face.
Lloyd
2 people like this
@hikarushidou (843)
• Philippines
12 Mar 07
I guess it should really be a crime. You can see bad guys doing it on tv and people shouldnt immitate that. its very disrespectful. you deserve to be on probation when you do that because its very very mean.
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
12 Mar 07
I don't remember ever seeing it even done on television. I agree with you. A person needs to be punished for doing something like that.
Lloyd
2 people like this
@trinidadvelasco (11401)
• Philippines
11 Mar 07
Yes, when someone spits at somebody else's face it shows how much he belittles the person. It says that the guy is a worthless creature because he is not even worth treating like a living creature. We always spit at an area which we see to be fit for spitting like the spitting bin, or in the toilet, or in an area which is secluded and is not in use. So, once somebody spits at a man's face it simply tells what kind of treatment he gives to that man.
Personally, I believe that is an even more devatating experience than being slapped in the face in public. Yes, I agree that, it is a crime to spit on someone else's face.
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
11 Mar 07
I agree with everything you have just written. I does belittle a person. I believe I'd rather be slapped that spat on. Thanks for you input.
Lloyd
3 people like this
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
12 Mar 07
Thank for this tip Lloyd, I never knew this. I learn something new every day. That really is a digusting thing to do to someone. Another thing I just learned, Walla Walla, is this the name of a real city?
2 people like this
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
12 Mar 07
Hello Howard. It really is a digusting thing to do to someone. And to make matters worst he did it to a VET.
Yes. Walla Walla is a real city. I just love that name. It just sounds like it would be a fun place to visit.
Lloyd
2 people like this
@onabreak2 (1161)
• United States
12 Mar 07
Good, I hope that he has to serve every day of his sentence and more. I think it is a disgusting thing to do. How would anyone like someone to spit on them let alone in there face. Who knows what this creepy guy had. Yuck. I am glad they have made this a criminal offense and hope the word will get out. Maybe someone will think twice before they do this.
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
12 Mar 07
He received 2 years probation and 5 days community service, so he won't do jail time.
I'm also glad it's a criminal offense. It's a pretty disgusting thing to do to another person.
Lloyd
1 person likes this
@mssnow (9484)
• United States
11 Mar 07
I think spitting is considered battery. I was watching a cops show the other day and a guy spit on a cop and they said it was considered battery. Not even sure if thats how it is spelled. But yeah its disgusting and now a days it can be life threatening if that person has a contagious disease. I think a person who does that deserves some form of punishment
2 people like this
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
11 Mar 07
If you are talking about the spelling of battery, you have it correct.
One thing I wouldn't even think of doing is spitting on a cop. How dumb could a person be?
That's asking for a butt wipping.
Lloyd
2 people like this
@jeweledbluerose (3061)
• United States
11 Mar 07
No matter what it was it was done in anger, so anything that is done out of anger should be viewed as an assault towards the other individual involved. Not only is it gross, but it is rather demeaning to be spit on in public, even if there wasn't any witnesses, it still is very embarassing.
2 people like this
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
12 Mar 07
It is very demeaning and no one should ever do that to another person. I think we all agree on that point.
Lloyd
2 people like this
@Carrie26 (1587)
• United States
12 Mar 07
That is so gross and mean.Spit has so many germs in it and are mouth also harbor alot of germs.Also he could have passed some kind of diesease onto the man if the guy had a scratch or cut on his face.The guy should get in trouble.He acts like the little kids that spit at each other.LOL.Except the other guy didnt spit back.He should have instead stuck his toungue out at the guy instead of spitting since he wanted to act childish.LOL.I was just kidding.i have never spit on someone.I had a girl that used to spit in my hand for awhile.but we were in kindergarton.I dont condone that either but children do it and should be taught not to.My mom told the teacher and she seperated us.But we still sat beside each other and were best friends.LOL
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
12 Mar 07
At first I thought it was thought it was just gross and disrespectful. But now I've learned that it is also dangerous because of the germs that might be involved and the chances of catching a disease.
Lloyd
2 people like this
@huggiebear22 (2007)
• Canada
12 Mar 07
I agree it not only gross but it should be assult becasue some diseases and germs are spred by bodily fluilds. The guy is lucky 2 yrs is all he got for it. Some places in the world is is against the law to even spit on the sidewalk.
2 people like this
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
12 Mar 07
I heard of countries where it is against the law to spit on the ground. I think Singapore might be one of them. Someone please correct if I'm wrong.
Thanks.
Lloyd
2 people like this
@earnwhilelearn (269)
• India
11 Mar 07
It is not an offence in my region partly because it is a democratic country and partly because the constitution hasn't been changed since ages and partly because ruling party has every right to dismiss and approve the existing and new rules.
All is political over here. But never anyone has cared for such rules which protect the human values.
Instead people take the result in their hands. Any of such incidents if happens in a public place then the guilty would only open his eyes in a hospital bed having beaten up by ongoers.
2 people like this
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
11 Mar 07
Sounds like the guilty party would have received street justice in your country.
If you don't mind, may I ask what country you are from?
It's important that every country have rules that protect human values.
Thanks.
Lloyd
2 people like this
@beaniegdi (1964)
•
11 Mar 07
Of course that is assault, in england you can be charged with assualt just for being threatening, there does not have to be an injury or any physical contact at all, so to spit in someones face is a definite assault.
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
11 Mar 07
Thanks for your reply. I'm usually not one for more rules and regulations, but in this case I agree. I can't think of one good reason why someone would do such a thing.
Lloyd
2 people like this
@flpoolbum (2978)
• United States
12 Mar 07
No, I don't think that we are wimps or are over-reacting. Spitting on someone elso is pretty gross. No one has the right to violate you like that. Not to forgot about how the spitee could contract all kinds of diseases.
2 people like this
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
12 Mar 07
I don't think we are whimps or over-reacting either. Spitting on someone can have serious health repurcusions.
Lloyd
2 people like this
