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Author: iamwoodsstalker
Surnames:
Classification: queries
Message Board URL:
http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.carmack/282.3.1.1.1.1.3.1.1.1.1.1.1.2...
Message Board Post:
I see someone has a dictionary!~!~ In reference to cemeteries and/or active or abandoned
family burial sites, desecration refers to any act of vandalism which results in the
destruction or alteration of same. This applies not only to the accepted or marked
interior boundaries of the cemetery but also to the individual grave sites and markers as
well as the altering or destruction of the tombstone.
So, yes, in essence, if someone is taken to court that individual would have to prove
beyond a reasonable doubt that he/she was merely re engraving original markings. If the
lettering was so faint that this person felt they needed re engraving, then how does one
prove that the new engraving was accurate.
While it's true I have never witnesses a case where someone was taken to court for re
engraving a burial marker, I have seen cases where vandals were taken to court and
convicted for defacing tombstones by scratching.
So, similar cases have appeared in courts. The other thing to think about - how readily
would one be willing to face the court costs and attorney fees to prove they were merely
re engraving a stone or stones?
I still stand on my previous posting - if I see anyone doing anything I perceive as
vandalism to a cemetery or family burial site, I will call the authorities and then let
them handle the case.
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