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We do have to be careful about how we use words. "Lynching" is a crime with a legal definition. It should be used only in historical context, or current legal use. It's not a word to be used loosely.
This is the law:
This is the law:
S.C. Code of Laws Title 16 Chapter 3 Offenses Against The Person - www.scstatehouse.net-LPITSTitle 16 - Crimes and Offenses
CHAPTER 3.
OFFENSES AGAINST THE PERSON
ARTICLE 3.
LYNCHING
SECTION 16-3-210. Lynching in the first degree.
Any act of violence inflicted by a mob upon the body of another person which results in the death of the person shall constitute the crime of lynching in the first degree and shall be a felony. Any person found guilty of lynching in the first degree shall suffer death unless the jury shall recommend the defendant to the mercy of the court, in which event the defendant shall be confined at hard labor in the State Penitentiary for a term not exceeding forty years or less than five years at the discretion of the presiding judge.
SECTION 16-3-220. Lynching in the second degree.
Any act of violence inflicted by a mob upon the body of another person and from which death does not result shall constitute the crime of lynching in the second degree and shall be a felony. Any person found guilty of lynching in the second degree shall be confined at hard labor in the State Penitentiary for a term not exceeding twenty years nor less than three years, at the discretion of the presiding judge.
SECTION 16-3-230. "Mob" defined.
A "mob" is defined for the purpose of this article as the assemblage of two or more persons, without color or authority of law, for the premeditated purpose and with the premeditated intent of committing an act of violence upon the person of another.