Sixteen-year-old Ethan Couch was driving drunk when he lost control of his pickup truck on a road near Fort Worth, Texas. He plowed into a group of pedestrians, killing four.

Instead of getting jail time for his reckless deed, he was given 10 years probation.A judge agreed last week with his defense lawyer that Couch suffered from "affluenza." He was given everything all his life and therefore was not responsible for his bad behavior.The innocent lives taken by Couch were obviously not much of a consideration of the judge or the defense lawyer.Hopefully, there wasn't a precedent established. Already there are too many excuses that allow criminals to escape punishment for their actions.Let's look at some potential court activity:• Defendant 1 - "Sorry judge. When I stabbed that man and took his wallet, I was high on drugs." To which the judge responds, "The drugs are responsible for your actions. You must receive treatment so you don't become a repeat offender. I am sentencing you to drug rehab."• Defendant 2 - "Hey, Judge. I lost my job. I haven't worked for three years and can't afford to feed my family and pay my rent. So I stole from the fire company where I was treasurer. It was an act of desperation." Judge replies: "It's not your fault. We will put you in touch with social workers to get you welfare and other benefits you deserve."• Defendant 3 - "Judge, I know I did wrong. But I was afraid if I didn't steal the car, my friends would turn on me." The judge answers, "Peer pressure can cloud your judgment. Stay away from the bad influences. You are getting 30 days probation.• Defendant 4 - "Mr. Judge. I did burn the building down. But I was angry. My parents split when I was a toddler and my single mom raised me. My wife left me and took the kids. It's society's fault." The judge responds, "You had a rough life. You must get help so I'm sentencing you to treatment by a psychiatrist."• Defendant 5 - "Your honor. I did beat up that old lady. But it's not my fault. I've been watching too many video games and have become desensitized to violence. I admit to my problem and will get help." Peering down the judge scowls, "Video games are causing a lot of problems. You shall stay away from them. I'm sentencing you to a year's probation."Drugs, bath salts, a crummy childhood, video games, movies, society, behavior of others, peer pressure, and joblessness are all excuses cited by lawyers to keep their clients out of jail after committing crimes.Are we adding "affluenza" to the list?Oh, our hypothetical judge has one more defendant.• Defendant 6 - "Your honor. I did the crime and accept full responsibility. Please don't put me in jail or I will lose my job. My wife will also leave me." To which the judge replies, "You should know better. If you do the crime, you do the time. You shall get 10 years in prison."By RON GOWERrgower@tnonline.com