Clementi's Parents Don't Want Harsh Punishment for Ravi

Even though they want Dharun Ravi held accountable for his actions, the parents of gay teenager Tyler Clementi, who ended his life in September 2010, don't want the book thrown at Ravi for his possible role in their son's death.

Ravi heads to trial in February for secretly taping a sexual encounter between Clementi and another man, just days before Clementi jumped off the George Washington bridge connecting New Jersey to New York City.

But Joseph and Jane Clementi of Ridgewood, N.J. said in a statement that they are not interested in proving whether Ravi's actions touched off their son's suicide; the parents only to prove that Ravi's behavior, i.e. the taping, constitute criminal behavior. They added that it's unnecessary that Ravi serve up to 10 years, which is possible. "Legal accountability does not necessarily require the imposition of a harsh penalty in this case," the Clementis wrote.

The parents, who have attended the pre-trial proceedings, applauded the judge's recent decision to deny Ravi's defense from viewing Clementi's private writings. "Tyler is not on trial in this case," they said in the statement. Another decision by the judge to release the identity of the other man in the tape to the defense will likely be appealed by the prosecution. Read more here.