Others are frustrated with the state's legal system and worry that Vang could be prosecuted as an adult. Under Wisconsin law, a child 10 or older who is accused of first-degree murder first must be charged in adult court. However, a case can be moved out of adult court if a judge determines it is better served in juvenile court. This is not fair. On Saturday, there also was anger by some over Vang's release from jail.
People are really confused.
There also is concern within the Hmong community that the children's plight underscores the threat to traditional Hmong ways by the more permissive standards of American life. So much so, he said, that if a girl is found out to be having sex with a boy, she will embarrass herself and family and be considered unsuitable for marriage. But Chou Lee, whose family has been in Eau Claire for 15 years, said those traditions are constantly challenged by the ways of a new country. In our society, you never do like this. This country is different.