i'm italian.what i see in these last years is that you American have the situation out of control.after what happened you in 2001,(correctly) decided to be more careful,more controls,to have more security and more suppressive;but u have to understand that this is not always useful and that anything must be appropriate to the situation.i'm from Sicily,and history showed how severe laws don't keep people away from mafia;instead,is proved that educating young generations is the only thing that pays.
use mind before the force and the arm of the law,SPEAK!,reproach(of course),but never a violence like this for a so unimportant thing(a kid with a water-based marker...)
concerning the lawsuit,1 million is ok(or few)thinking about the consequences on her child's mind:i wouldn't be surprised if she will have mental disorders after this episode...
bye