It really does depend on what the boys did in the deli, and not on speculation of what parents should or should'nt do. I don't know anything about this where I would become involved or protest. To me, protesting is phoney, so you have a good point. However, you know more about police business than me, and I respect you for it. Thank you for being understanding and bearing with me.
You are right, not showing up is not responsible. We don't know if the boys innvolved were minorities, which would make a difference in that they do not trust the police or the court system. It's important to be fair, and I just see humiliation as wrong. My issue has more to do with the presumed condition of justice being based on the required writing of a note that could be self incriminating. Why is that necessary? The only way I could agree with such a punishment is if it was given after several other incidents and used as a last resort.
But this whole discussion is moot. We don't know the circumstances and it is speculation.
Les