8-14-2009 Oklahoma:
OKLAHOMA CITY – In light of a recent child kidnapping, state Rep. Rex Duncan plans to file legislation that will allow child molesters to face life in prison without parole or even the death penalty.
“This is an idea that has been discussed before that never quite made it into law,” said Duncan, a Sand Springs Republican who chairs the House Judiciary Committee. “However, I believe there is growing bipartisan support for this proposal and it will be enacted during the 2010 legislative session.”
The proposal comes after the recent arrest of Marcus Berry, a two-time convicted sex offender who kidnapped a two-year-old girl from her front yard in Tulsa.
Although Berry was convicted in 1986 and again in 1993 when he was sentenced to 30 years in prison, he served less than 13 years of that sentence before being released.
Since 2006, he has twice been charged with violating the sex-offender registration law. However, he was acquitted once because he was homeless.
Under current law, a child molester can face a sentence of 25 years to life for a first offense. Duncan’s legislation will increase the penalty to include a maximum sentence of life without parole.
His legislation will also allow the death penalty to be considered for those convicted of a second offense.
The legislation will also eliminate the “homeless defense” as an excuse for not registering as a sex offender and allow those convicted of failure to register to receive a 20-year prison sentence.
“When enacted, this legislation will reduce the opportunity for the Marcus Berrys of the world to repeatedly prey upon children,” Duncan said. “There is no greater crime than the sexual abuse of a child. My legislation will make sure the punishment fits the crime.” ..Source.. by Bixby Bulletin.com
August 14, 2009
OK- Duncan to Seek Death Penalty for Repeat Child Molesters
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2 comments:
Wasn't this handled recently by the Supreme Court in Louisiana vs Kennedy. The court said it was unconstitutional. Cruel and Unusual Punishment.
Perhaps if Mr. Berry had the security of a home in which he could live, a job at which to work, a social life, etc.,...He would then have something to live for. It has been said many times over by various people on every side of the issue, STRESS increases the likelihood of an ex-offender to re-offend....the registry and it's dehabilitating affects greatly increase this kind of stress!!! But people just don't get how counter productive the registry is!!!
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