Post by Anja Nieser on Sept 10, 2006 8:32:03 GMT -5
Alabama Attorney General Wants Death Penalty For Worst Sex Offenders
Sep 7, 2006 12:32 PM
Alabama's top law enforcer wants to make sure the state's sex offender law is as tough as it's supposed to be. In Lee County, officers say the year-old law is proving itself.
"We have over 120 registered sex offenders. One of the changes is instead of once a year, they have to report twice a year," said Capt. James Major, Lee County Sheriff's Office.
Attorney General Troy King said he wants to make it even tougher. One idea he's proposing is the ultimate price.
"We'll be proposing the death penalty for serial child molesters, for serial child rapists and child sodomizers. For the most despicable and deplorable among us, for those who serially prey upon our children, they don't deserve to live," said King.
King also wants to use closed-circuit television in sexual abuse trials involving children.
"We'll also be proposing legislation that changes the way children testify. Take children our of the terror of having to go into a courtroom and face the person that has already violated them once," he said.
It's an idea that sits well with Lee County District Attorney Nick Abbett.
"I've personally prosecuted cases where we've had to put the child in the courtroom, and the child froze up. They're very re-victimized by the system. The idea for a closed-circuit television is excellent as long as it meets constitutional muster," said Abbett.
One change convicted sex offenders will already see in Alabama is a special mark on their new drivers license. That law took effect Friday. Another suggestion is to make offenders pay for the costs of keeping track of them instead of the state.
All content © Copyright 2001
Sep 7, 2006 12:32 PM
Alabama's top law enforcer wants to make sure the state's sex offender law is as tough as it's supposed to be. In Lee County, officers say the year-old law is proving itself.
"We have over 120 registered sex offenders. One of the changes is instead of once a year, they have to report twice a year," said Capt. James Major, Lee County Sheriff's Office.
Attorney General Troy King said he wants to make it even tougher. One idea he's proposing is the ultimate price.
"We'll be proposing the death penalty for serial child molesters, for serial child rapists and child sodomizers. For the most despicable and deplorable among us, for those who serially prey upon our children, they don't deserve to live," said King.
King also wants to use closed-circuit television in sexual abuse trials involving children.
"We'll also be proposing legislation that changes the way children testify. Take children our of the terror of having to go into a courtroom and face the person that has already violated them once," he said.
It's an idea that sits well with Lee County District Attorney Nick Abbett.
"I've personally prosecuted cases where we've had to put the child in the courtroom, and the child froze up. They're very re-victimized by the system. The idea for a closed-circuit television is excellent as long as it meets constitutional muster," said Abbett.
One change convicted sex offenders will already see in Alabama is a special mark on their new drivers license. That law took effect Friday. Another suggestion is to make offenders pay for the costs of keeping track of them instead of the state.
All content © Copyright 2001