How about a fireman in the performance of his duties? A teacher or a senator, the president? These laws are enacted by governments who have thought this through far more than we have.
So,what is the deterrent in a civilized society that's not so civilized? Can you imagine, seemingly you can't, the amount of times police are assaulted in the performance of their duties now? It would increase dramatically which would then have a domino effect and lead to an exponential increase in violence on all sides. The threat of stronger penalties for assaults against public officials are meant as a deterrent, to help keep the peace. It's a preventative measure.
I'd agree with you quickly if society was full of even tempered, law abiding citizens but....
Deaths, Assaults & Injuries
Over the Past Decade (2002-2011)
YEAR DEATHS* ASSAULTS** INJURIES**
2002 157 58,440 16,626
2003 149 58,278 16,412
2004 165 60,054 16,737
2005 162 59,428 16,072
2006 156 59,907 15,916
2007 190 60,851 15,736
2008 141 60,139 15,554
2009 122 57,268 14,985
2010 154 53,469 13,962
2011 163 54,774 14,578
Took a second to google the above. Those numbers would rise dramatically. I guess that would be fair if I follow your logic? And to take it another step forward I assume our military when in conflict should only use similar weapons and force that the "enemy" uses otherwise it just wouldn't be fair. Damn.
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