NASHVILLE, Tenn.--A bill to be discussed in the Tennessee Senate Judiciary Committee would authorize the death penalty as a punishment for rape of a child.
SB1834/HB1663 is sponsored by Senator Jack Johnson (R-Franklin-D27) and Representative William Lamberth (R-Portland-D44) in their respective chambers.
Under the bill, if an individual is convicted of aggravated child rape, the person could be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole or death.
There would be an exception for a defendant who has an intellectual ability.
Overall, the bill adds the charge of aggravated child rape to the same sentencing structure for first degree murder under Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-13-204(i).
On the other side of the aisle, some Democrats reference advocates who argue the bill could discourage family members from reporting child rape if it means a death sentence for a family member or close friend.
It will be discussed by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.
The bill requires adults convicted of child rape to be sentenced to life in prison or death.
Current law says convicted child rape is punishable by imprisonment of no less than 15 nor more than 60 years.
To read the bill, visit the state legislature’s
website.
Source:
fox17.com,
wsmv.com Staff, March 26, 2024
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"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,
but by the punishments that the good have inflicted."
— Oscar Wilde
