US supreme court rules against death penalty in child rape cases

**linda22003** · 06-25-2008, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by CLibertarian

I take it that you disagree?

You just seem to have gone off on one of your own tangents. :)

**Space Gravy** · 06-25-2008, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by linda22003

It needn't be "warm and fuzzy" if it's not death. I agree with capital punishment, but it should be for a capital crime.

Originally Posted by Phillygirl

I haven't read the decision, but my gut says I agree with it. Damn. I really hate agreeing with Kennedy.

I'm with you all on this one. Only apply it in murder cases.

**Gingersnap** · 06-25-2008, 11:23 AM

There's always been a problem with rape and death penalty. While virtually all of us would cheerfully kill a child rapist or any rapist, it's important to make sure we aren't making a bad situation much worse.

One of the strongest arguments against the death penalty in rape cases is that it can promote murder of the victim. It makes more sense to rape, kill, and silence a victim than to leave a witness.

It's a tricky problem.

**CLibertarian** · 06-25-2008, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by linda22003

You just seem to have gone off on one of your own tangents. :)

Just pointing out a factual observation from which everyone has a data point to reference wrt to the perspective of the Liberal SCOTUS judges. I didn't intend to threadjack.

**CLibertarian** · 06-25-2008, 11:27 AM

Originally Posted by Space Gravy

I'm with you all on this one. Only apply it in murder cases.

Originally Posted by Gingersnap

There's always been a problem with rape and death penalty. While virtually all of us would cheerfully kill a child rapist or any rapist, it's important to make sure we aren't making a bad situation much worse.

One of the strongest arguments against the death penalty in rape cases is that it can promote murder of the victim. It makes more sense to rape, kill, and silence a victim than to leave a witness.

It's a tricky problem.

While I would like for the DP to apply, I have been reminded of the "attention" that such animal will receive from the other inmate. Therefore, my insistance is not as strong as it was.

**ConJinx** · 06-25-2008, 11:29 AM

Read the decision. The death penalty is not proportional, then fine, child rapists should receive an as ass raping just prior to yard time. Also when did our founding documents become an evolving text? Can't wait till tomorrows gun ruling in D.C.

**Phillygirl** · 06-25-2008, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by CLibertarian

As Noonwitch pointed out, they will get it either way. I say this even though I ultimately disagree with the ruling based upon what I previously stated.

I need to read the decision. I'm torn between the clear ability of the Court to look at what constitutes cruel and unusual, balanced by the states' right to determine same.

Looks like I'll be reading some con law this weekend.

**linda22003** · 06-25-2008, 12:11 PM

The decision may not be posted for a couple of days; I checked the Supreme Court website and decisions are only posted through 6/23 at the moment.

**LogansPapa** · 06-25-2008, 12:19 PM

Originally Posted by Gingersnap

One of the strongest arguments against the death penalty in rape cases is that it can promote murder of the victim. It makes more sense to rape, kill, and silence a victim than to leave a witness.

It's a tricky problem.

Would have never thought of it. The act is so blindly animalistic I never realised it could foster something worse.

**biccat** · 06-25-2008, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by linda22003

The decision may not be posted for a couple of days; I checked the Supreme Court website and decisions are only posted through 6/23 at the moment.

http://www.conservativeunderground.c...2816#post12816

I don't know if I completely agree with this or not. Seems like the states should be granted broad leeway in sentencing. Look for a lot more "child rape + attempted murder" cases.