A law placed in effect in 1940 in the state of Arkansas has been overturned and it is definitely for the betterment of the state. In 1940 a law was created that allowed anyone to collect a gambling debt even if forced was used. To collect a debt from someone and using force did not qualify as a theft or aggravated robbery. This law has now been changed.

Arkansas law makers decided to change the old ruling after defense attorneys argued to appeal a conviction of an Arkansas man who was convicted of aggravated robbery and murder. The man did not get off the murder charges but he was able to have the robbery conviction dropped.

Because of this the Arkansas state senate approved a bill that was proposed recently. The bill will eliminate collecting a gambling debt from a person by the use of force or harm. Those who do collect a debt using those methods can be found guilty of a violent crime or robbery in a court of law. Once the governor signs the bill it will become a law.


- 2009-03-18