Death Penalty for "Child Sodomy?"

[spantol]

A coworker just sent me this. A law has been introduced in the Georgia legislature that would make sodomizing a child a capital crime, punishable by the death penalty.

Personally, I'd be against this. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the brutal deaths of child molesters, but I'd rather let the general prison population take care of that part. If it's left to the courts, I see it being abused, particularly in cases of false accusation.

There are arguments both ways, but the part I can't wrap my mind around is the language--why "child sodomy" instead of "child molestation?" Without getting graphic, it seems that this would create a very fine line between serving 15-20, and getting the death penalty.

What do you guys think?

[WicKeD_WaYz]

I thought sodomy only had to do with.... well.....nvm ill let you guys handle this one.

but personally ive heard some stories from a buddy of mine that was locked up for a while about what they do to people who are in for anything to do with kids man...and its pretty rough. I say let the prison take care of it itself because they get the job done let me tell you.

[xXHavokXx]

Hang em.

[spantol]

Vocabulary lesson time. Sodomy can refer to (and is defined in Georgia law as) any non-vaginal copulation. Yes, any. Yeah, that too.

Mods, I hope I kept that clinical enough.

I thought sodomy only had to do with.... well.....nvm ill let you guys handle this one.

but personally ive heard some stories from a buddy of mine that was locked up for a while about what they do to people who are in for anything to do with kids man...and its pretty rough. I say let the prison take care of it itself because they get the job done let me tell you.

[cphilip]

Thats clinical enough. However I fear it will not stay that way...

Yes. Most states defined Sodomy as any sex besides the "missionary" style. However I don't think they mean it that way in this case. In this case I think we know what it means. And in this case Sodomy might not be the right term. Regardless... its rape. A minor cannot consent and so in any case no matter what... its rape. And it should be delt with harshly no matter who is raped. Minor or Adult.

This one probably will not last but we shall see.

[Target Practice]

Hell, why spend money on killing them? Just send them to me, and I'll send them into the next world free of charge.

[WenULiVeUdiE]

I dont think they should go as far as the death penalty. I think 40 years would be sufficent.

Edit- Thought about it more, kill the bastards.

[spantol]

cphilip: Georgia's definition of sodomy is more narrow than that of most states. The relevant statute can be viewed here.

A person commits the offense of aggravated sodomy when he or she commits sodomy with force and against the will of the other person or when he or she commits sodomy with a person who is less than ten years of age.

This new law would amend the code to bump that age up to 12, and makes "sodomy with force" with someone 12 or under a capital offense. The distinction is clearly there, baffling as it may be.

The text of the bill can be read here.

[AGDlover]

Hang em.

you took the words out of my mouth

[spantol]

It's said that it costs $2 million and change to administer the death penalty, when you factor in the costs of appeals and whatnot, versus around $700,000 for a life sentence. Child molesters don't last long in the general prison population anyway, so why go the expensive route?

Also, if the punishment for molestation is death, it gives the molester a greater incentive to kill the victim. Either way, it's the death penalty, and he stands a better chance of getting away with it if there isn't a witness.

[MayAMonkeyBeYourPinata]

It's said that it costs $2 million and change to administer the death penalty, when you factor in the costs of appeals and whatnot, versus around $700,000 for a life sentence. Child molesters don't last long in the general prison population anyway, so why go the expensive route?

Also, if the punishment for molestation is death, it gives the molester a greater incentive to kill the victim. Either way, it's the death penalty, and he stands a better chance of getting away with it if there isn't a witness.

That is a very good point.

So, I say no, but life sentence without a doubt.

Those people are worse than murderers.

[cphilip]

I have heard these figures before. But never seen any of them proven in any way. I had that argument that its cheaper to keep someone in for life than it is to pay for appeals of the death penalty used before. I seriously doubt its 2 million. But to date... no one has been able to prove any of those figures. I am not saying they are true or false. Just cannot tag onto them until I see it...

[taylor492]

This is a tough one. Child molestation crimes are so heinous its hard to know what the applicable punishment is. Althought ive heard stories as to what inmates will do to convicted child molesters i wouldnt leave it to them to do the dirty work. As for giving them the death penalty, i dont know about that either. It would really depend upon the case.

ex. number of victims or instances.

[Halliday]

The more dead child molesters, the better.

[tony3]

I think we need to look at the death penalty system and reform it, 2 million dollars to kill someone is crazy.