Jessica's Law
66What is Jessica's Law?
I have been following the news a lot lately. A lot of talk has been raised on the subject of Jessica's Law. But what, exactly is Jessica's Law?
Jessica's Law is named after Jessica Lunsford. She was abducted and sexually assaulted and then brutally murdered. Jessica's Law was originally passed in Florida, and applies specifically to victims under the age of 12, and it gives a minimum 25 year sentence to anyone convicted of a violent sex crime. It also provides more strict guidelines for registering and reporting. The most vile representatives of society; the rapists, child molesters and the sort are the target of this law. I feel that this law is a very important step in order to protect the children of this country.
Studies have shown that in the mind of a violent sex offender, especially in a case where the chosen victim is a child, reform is more often not possible. They cannot be changed from who and what they are. The desire to cause that kind of pain, and have that kind of control is never ending. It does not go away. So, isn't it safe to assume that a few years in prison is not enough of a payment for the crime?
I agree that the punishment should fit the crime, and in the case of child molestation and rape, there is no available punishment that fits that sort of crime. Our only recourse is to keep these people locked away for as long as possible. Unfortunately, several states, all liberal states, do not agree with this.
What States Have Passed Such a Law?
Many states have passed some form of Jessica's Law, but several states refuse to do so. This is an outrage. This is mostly fueled by the defense attorneys, wanting to protect their clients, but is this really fair? Is it fair that a violent sexual predator serves only a few years in prison, and then is allowed to walk the streets again? I do believe that if you pay for your crime, you deserve a second chance. Don't get me wrong. I am sure many of us have made mistakes, though mostly of the non-illegal nature. We want to be forgiven for our mistakes.
In the state of Massachusetts, a weakened form of Jessica's Law was finally passed, but only after much attention was brought to the subject. And in Illinois, the governor of that state refuses to pass any form of Jessica's Law. New Hampshire has become a safe haven of sorts for sexual predators. Many fail to be convicted, and the ones that do, serve pathetic sentences that make a mockery of the legal system there. While the State of Texas allows for the death penalty in certain cases of sex crimes against children.
Please, if you have children, please find out if your state has passed Jessica's Law, and if you happen to live in a state that has not, write to your governor, state congress and anyone you can think of, and demand that Jessica's Law be put into effect. Child molesters and violent sex offenders need to held accountable for what they do, and our government needs to take a firm stance against such crimes.
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Donna-- I agree with you, the law does have some flaws, but a slightly flawed law is better than nothing at all.
dee-- I couldn't agree with you more.
Kerry-- That is an extreme option that may work to a certain extent. The only issue with that is that there is still the mental predilection to commit crimes of that nature. You don't need the proper equipment to rape someone.
Doddie-- It is hard to create a perfect law that will not only protect the innocent children, but also protect people from being falsely accused. I understand your pain, but if they found no evidence against him, then he should not have plead guilty. I do feel for you and your family.
Lisa-- That doesn't make any sense. Jessica's Law was put in place to protect children. Even if he did have a prior conviction against a child. And Megan's Law is the law that requires the police to provide information about sexual predators. None of what you are saying makes any sense.
My friend was sentenced in PA under the jessicas law 25-50 year mandatory minimum and it was for a misdemeanor 1, NOT against a child, it was an adult!! While I thoroughly support protecting children, this law wrongly encompasses anybody with a prior megans law offense, no matter how far back in your life it was, (25 years ago in his case) THERE WAS NO RAPE, NO WEAPON, NO VIOLENCE, this law needs to be tightened up to not include everybody in there wide casting net to name Sex offenders
My heart goes out to victim and the falsely accused ! The families on both ends suffer greatly ! Until you have lived thru it everything is not so clear cut ! Our legislators should become more aware. Innocent people have been put to death and those who should never be put back out on the streets are released ! People are more vindictive now, even children. Girls are going out lying about their age and do lie on people they want to get back at. And the question is... why would a person lie about something like that ! Well they do and small children are coached ! My daughter is 29 now. When she was 7-13 she lied all the time and later told me about some of them. She always blamed things on her sister to keep from getting into trouble. So we do know that children can lie. We also need to do everything we can to make sure it is the truth and somethings there will be no question about !
Castration is not the answer for the sexually deranged ! They should receive life if they have physically, sexually abused and murdered! They are unfit for society ! But I have a brother who was falsely accused, without dna and his life is over ! He will be 80 yrs old when he gets out. Our family all are grieving. 66 children male and female have grown up under him and he has never approached any of them in a disrespectful way. Heck, he doesn't even curse. Our sociopathic niece accused him of molesting 3 of his children. No one in our family believes her ! We all know better because he is one of the most selfless person we have ever met. It is not even in him to do anything to hurt a child. Child protective services said they did not find any charges . My brother due to lack of income, poor representation, the fear of not knowing what else to do, the threat of spending the rest of his life in prison (200yrs) he accepted a 20 yr plea bargain. It is like we have had a death in the family. He is so beloved by all of us. We know he did not do anything to her children. She lied and told them the children were in counseling, sp**m was found, all of this was a lie and still she got away with it. He had never approached her in any kind of way when she
was growing up. My granddaughter who is 10 now said he never did anything to her like that. He has been around soo many children in our family, they are all over the place and he has never said or done anything to them out of the way. So when something so serious comes up I think that 3rd parties should be throughly investigated because we are talking about a persons life ! This is serious !!! There are so many innocent people in prison who has been accused of this !! It is wrong !! If there is no DNA the chances of clearing yourself is even worse ! Just recently and because of DNA men who have spent 17 -28 years have been found innocent and released from prison. Because of the DNA they have been able to find the true molester sometimes. In prison these men go threw hell. When they get out and are not exonerated, they go thru hell. If they don't have money, they certainly go to hell. I read a story where a father spent $54,000.00, lost his business, home, family and children. Finally the daughter told the courts that she was tired and she wasn't going to lie anymore. The man's parents told her and her brother to say what they did. When it was all over his family was completely destroyed ! His parents still wanted to take him to court to get custody of his children. I is WRONG to have to go to prison just because he/or she cannot afford good legal representation.
As far as the real predators, I think the act is more mental than physical and so castration would not help anything ! So there is another side to this story and you can get 15 years for do nothing ! I think that as far as rehabilitation each case is different ! No innocent person should go to prison and special precautions should be done to prevent this !! The case should not be about who wins, who loses, it should be about the truth !! The guilty should really be assessed to determine the degree of mental illness the person has ! Another thing I read is that some child molesters will kill their victims because they will get less time for murder that child molestation ? I don't know how true this is......
Surgical castration to end all interest in all things sexual, and penis removal to strip the sex offender of his male symbol of power that is still connected to his body with his penis after his testicles have been removed will end sexual violence against women, children and protect weaker inmates in a prison system.
shike im sorry but you dont get 15 yrs for a false accusation there had to be some evidence of a crime and also disturbed i notice how neither u or shike actually say what your relatives are supposed to hav done only that their cases are unjust if jessicas law helps keep young people safe then i welcome it only someone with no clue of how it feels to be a victim of these disgusting crimes would be against it afterall the injustice u guys feel is nothing to what this childs father feels when he thinks about how he lost his baby girl
I have to agree with some of these people,that the Jessica law has many flaws. The words child melastation is mentioned and you'guilty righ there and then. You got to try to prove your innocence and if you can't afford a good atterney, say good-by to you life. I know of very old man that didn't even have a speeding ticket on his record and was accused of molesting a child and because of his age he agreed to plea bargain. He got 20 years 5 to serve. First time offender no criminal record but because of Jessica's law this man has to wear the ankle bracelet for 15 years? He doesn't have 15 ears to live. I can understand the 15 years probation but the bracelet? Give me a break. He's not much better off out of jail than in jail. If he was a pedephile people would of coming out the woodworks, no one did. at his late age you just don't become a pedophile, made a mistake? Yes! Can you think of anyone who hasn't made a mistake in their life time?
amber-- I agree, DNA is very compelling evidence. However, when it comes to molestation of children, DNA isn't always present. I won't go into further details. I do agree that 25 to life is a serious prison sentence that should be weighed heavily on the minds of the jurors and judges forced to make the decision.
I am definantly a defender of children and am broken by the abuse that I hear about. I am also broken for the innocent people that are being sent to prison. I feel there should be DNA evidence to convict someone for 25 years to life as the Jessica Law. I wish that we could all bind together to get the the people who are abusing our children off the streets but protect the innocent people who are wrongly being sent to prison for 25 years to life.
tony-- I have no problem agreeing with you.
Anna I have no problem saying this. In regards tot he safety of children, when it comes to child predators I favor the death penalty. And the sooner this sick scum is removed the better.
shike-- I don't know what to say. I have gotten several comments like this. If they didn't have enough evidence to convict him, he wouldn't have been convicted. I do know that sometimes innocent people are accused, and sometimes convicted of crimes, but as I recently found out, sometimes you just don't know people as well as you think you do. Children deserve to be safe and protected from vile, evil predators. Simple as that. I am sorry for your situation, I really am.
I just wanted to say that I think the jessica law is being blown way out of line. The father of my 4 Kids was just sentenced to 15 years in prison on false accusations. I do not feel as though that was rite if they do not have enough evidence to convict him. I am not saying that all kids lie but most of them do. This little girl was only 12 but told him that she was 18 years of age. he did not have sex with her just drove her home and bought her something to eat because she was out walking late at night by herself and he did not want anything to happen to her. I have been with him for 13 years and he would never harm anyone he has two daughters of his own. And he will protect his daughters. I felt as though they could at least given him probation are something not 15 years at a maximum prison that is not right, all because he tried to help someone out. There is no justice in kansas laws this has to stop they are taking this jessica law way to far.
SadAunt-- That seems like a harsh punishment for posting one picture. I find that a little hard to believe. I agree that Jessica's Law, as well as the entire justice system is flawed, but it's the best system we could have.
Dear disturbed, I want to say I couldnt agree with you more! You are so right with everything you said. Especially when you said this."Jessica's Law is flawed and just gives fanatics a reason for a lynch mob and soon, burning people at the stake."
I feel horrible for your brother.And Iam truely sorry. My nephew got caught up with someone posting a picture of a 17 yr old girl on his PC and he now has to register as a sex offender, and he has done 9 months in prison. Thats nothing with what you had to go through. Sorry again.
saddened mother-- I agree, it's like that with everything. People are falsely accused, or circumstances exist that make a situation clouded. It's really up to the judge and the jury at that point. No system is perfect, because we are all human. Society is to blame, but parents are also to blame. Parents are becoming less and less involved in their children's lives. Men also need to be more careful. It is very hard to fake an ID now, depending on the state. Thank you for your heartfelt comment!
Be careful when you say sexual predators. It goes both ways. I know of a case where a girl had a fake id and met her "criminal at a bar". When the parents found out, the innocent man spent time in jail and now has to register as an offender. He did nothing but go out for a drink, met a girl who by "id" said to be 21 and now look at him. I know of another case now working where this guy started seeing a girl who stated to be 18. 2 weeks later found out she was a very developed 12 and cut it off. But her daddy stated she is the victim and now his life could be over because of Jessica's law. And not only his life, but the life of his family trying to help him. I am all for the true sexual predators being punnished. I am the 1st one to lash out at those sick individuals and want the full punishment for them. But there are other cases out there where the alleged criminal is actually the victim and because of this law, there life is ruined. Us as a society really are to blaim. Kids can go to the shool nurse and get forms of birth control and we dont blink and eye. No matter what there age is. But have a minor go out looking at older people and lie about there age, and then blame the adult for not knowing, that is wrong. Why do we blame others for our lack of parenting? That in itself is a crime and should not be taken lightly. Please people, wake up.
Sickend-- I am in tears over your story. My heart goes out to your cousin. I wish there were some advice I could give you. I am not sure about military rules when it comes to situations like this, though I know at least some of it still goes through the civilian child protection agency of the state they are in. Maybe you can contact that agency, sometimes called Child and Family Services, or Child Protective Services. They may be able to give you some information on things you can do to help, legal avenues to pursue.
My 12 year old cousin has endured years of being molested, up until three years ago when she was pulled from her home. Her mother(Air Force) does not believe her daughter and has gone as far as telling the Judge that she doesn't believe her daughter, and the husband denies doing this(Air Force). There is evidence of molestation, the judge said that there is signs and evidence of molestation, BUT i am giving you(mother) a year to take the required classes through Social Services, after that time you will be able to unify your relationship with your child! The mother still lives with her husband, he hasen't been convicted yet because the MILITARY keeps pushing it back, so this won't be heared til the beginning of the year.This is wrong, and the child is the one that will pay for this in the end, where are her rights? She has the right to a safe and happy childhood, it has been stolen from her! I have NO tolorance for ANYONE that chooses a child to victimize!!!! There should be no tolorance laws, first time offender, 25 years.....Clearly the legal system isn't working, we have to take a stand as a group, i believe in Jessica's Law, and feel that states should make harsher laws.I do agree with Castration 100%, but they will find other ways, once a molester always a molester. Anyone convicted of a sexual crime should have to register, i have the right to know where you are and who you are to protect my kids from sick, disturbed predators. With this being an election year for alot of states, Residents of these states need to bring up these key issues, until you do our children will never be fully safe.
Pollyannalana-- I agree. If there is strong DNA proof, along with other strong evidence, basically an open and shut case, castration is a good method. Unfortunately, that won't curb the urges completely.
Tom-- A chain saw? Oh, my! I share your disgust for the perpetrators of these crimes.
An old friend, and I discussed this crime in the 1980's and came to the conclusion for a surgical solution. The surgery must be performed with a chain saw!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have always said with DNA 100% Castration. It protects the innocent and it cuts the urge off a rapist, and I mean cut not chemical. Clear as a bell, incentive for would be rapist and protect the innocent men and children and women! It really is very simple. Only the law could confuse it.
mariah-- Statistically speaking, a child molester rarely is ever truly reformed. I agree, some people can change, and sometimes they can learn to deal with their issue, and not harm others. But if you molest a child, you should pay for that.
Pollyannalana-- I agree that child molestation is the worst form of abuse that can ever be inflicted on a person. Apart from murder, it is the most heinous thing that can be done to a person. A child doesn't have the capacity to understand what is done to them, and are traumatized for life over it. A child's very existence as a child is stripped away and can never be reclaimed.
disturbed-- While I don't know your brother's situation, I feel for all of those who are falsely accused. It is true that false accusations are a real problem, but protesting a law that protects children from true predators is not the way to do it. I agree there needs to be reform in the early stages of such a case; better investigation tactics and such. But, truth be told, the police are very well trained to deal with situations like that, there are psychologists involved to validate statements and interview children. Young children rarely lie about something like that, unless they are coached, and a trained psychologist can usually tell the difference. And I think you are being a little over dramatic when you mention a lynch mob and burning people at the stake.
I am sorry but I won't agree with those of you who feel Jessica's Law is the most fantastic thing ever. I do not know where any of you live but if you lived in my small hometown you will probably understand by the time you finish reading my comment. My brother is serving a life sentence due to Jessica's Law. He is also a victim. A victim of small town justice and hysteria. He is a victim of lies and deceit. Child custody is the reason my brother is in prison for life for something he did not do. Where's the justice in sending innocent people to prison?? Is that what Jessica's Law is supposed to do?? Is this what Jessica would want? I highly doubt it. But all I am hearing is how this law is such a fantastic protection for the nation's children. I do not agree. From my personal experience, this law has caused hysteria, injustice and a need for reform to this law. I feel any true pedophile needs to be punished for their crime. As a victim myself I do not want any child harmed in any way sexually. It's heinous and disgusting. But when you live in a small town and their idea of justice is far from correct and lawful, what does one do?? My brother is trapped in a viscious cycle of hysteria created by the lawmakers and all who feel there's a pedophile lurking behind every corner. All it takes is one little complaint and your life is over. Fact or fiction, you are guilty. My brother endured 3 years of this obsession created by the county attorney. Where's the justice in conviction with absolutely no evidence, no history and obvious deceit? I will not agree that Jessica's Law has greatly improved our children's safety. How can anyone agree when the law is putting innocent people behind bars but leaving the true molestors on the streets?? I think this is a tragedy and a poor sense of justice. There is no justice is prejudice and a web of lies. My brother sits in a Kansas maximum security prison awaiting his long future of life in his new home, a 10' by 12' cell. His only brush with the law was a DUI in college, a far cry from a raving sex fantatic that preys on small children. But there he sits, cause one little girl was forced to lie. In my opinion that's more heinous than anything, forcing a small child to lie just so the adult can get what she wants. What about his children? What about his life that was taken away from him for no reason? Is this what lawmakers call justice?? What a mockery they have made out of our justice system and Jessica's Law. No one is safe from fanatics or obsessed county attorney's looking for a few votes to seal her seat. Disgusted is all I can say for what's happened to my brother. Three years and his life is over forever. He never touched that girl, one just doesn't one day decide to become a pedophile, he was 26 when this began. I don't feel scientifically that's plausible. A pedophile is born that way, it's a chemical, biological screwup in the brain and how one thinks and feels. But according to a Kansas county attorney and a jury she had in her back pocket, they think you just one day decide to sexually violate children and walk down your path of pedophilism. What a tragedy. Jessica's Law is flawed and just gives fanatics a reason for a lynch mob and soon, burning people at the stake.
I wrote about Jessica's Law in my Castration Hub. They have lost 100,000 registered offenders, that is how seriously they take it. I think someone needs to account for that, knowing it has probably cost countless rapes and possible deaths. Our judicial system sucks, and there has to be a reason! People like this never change, they are rotten to the core!(which we should remove!)Them or the core, all the same to me. These are innocent little children and they let them back out into the world! Why? It says something very sick about them or anyone with any pity for them I think.
People who go prison for murder or attempted murder and don't have to suffer the rest of their life with no privacy. They still get to see their children, as these men can't! They are pushed out of there homes and forced to be homeless. I think the woman in who wrote this artical is going way to far with it. People can change
I can't believe I never responded to these comments. I apologize!!
Spryte-- You are right. I need to be more careful in my choice of words. I should have said that the government in NH makes it possible for sexual predators to feel comfortable. The case I mentioned, the man got little more than a slap on the wrist, for what I consider one of the most evil crimes anyone can commit. The punishment did not fit the crime, and I did not mean to reflect badly on the people of that state.
dafla-- I agree. If someone rapes, tortures and murders a child, the same thing should be done to them. It is so tragic to hear about stories where it happens. My heart breaks every time I hear anything about a situation like that.
Little Jessica...I still remember the pain on her father's face. He is such a good man, and I know he misses her so much. I personally think that people who torture and kill children should be tortured and killed the same way. I know that's not right, but I still think it should be that way. Why are they given so much consideration? Did they give anyone else that consideration? What about what Jessica and Carley felt when they were being raped and murdered? I have to stop now, or I'll go off on a tangent.
While the passion for your subject is admirable, please be careful when pointing fingers...
New Hampshire passed House Bill 1692-FN (Sexual Predator Act) in April of 2006. The signs upon entry to this lovely state say Bienvenu or Welcome...to New Hampshire. It is the "Live Free or Die" state. It is the granite state. But in the thirty years that I have lived there...I never saw any reference to "NH - Safe Haven of Sexual Predators."
Tammy 3 months ago
Do any of you agree with a person being wrongfully convicted because the court didnt properly explain the sentencing portion of the trial to the jury. An innocent man has been sentenced to 60 years in a Texas prision with no chance of parole in hopes of getting an appeal. With that being said he is also unable to have visits from anyone under the age of 17, not even his biological children, neices, nephews etc. I could understand if all visits were contact but he cant even have a visit behind the glass. This is very harsh not only to the peron that is locked up but to the little boy that loves his daddy so much and will not be able to give him a hug or tell him he loves him face to face for the next 8 years.