In Florida, a new legislation just went into force, sparking a lot of debate.
The law focuses on alterations to the state’s death sentence, enabling the execution of child rapists, particularly those who target children under the age of 12.
Higher courts have already found that imposing death penalties in circumstances like these violates the 8th Amendment.
This forbids cruel and unusual punishment, this statute has generated a lot of controversy.
Bipartisan support was shown for this legislation as it passed through the state legislature, giving Florida’s courts the power to sentence child rapists to death. Ron DeSantis, the governor, signed the
Floridans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty’s executive director, Maria DeLiberato, accepts the gravity of child sexual battery as a crime.
She emphasizes that the Supreme Court would have to overturn its earlier decision in order for this statute to be applied to a particular case.
DeLiberato, who is also a lawyer, emphasizes that the anguish for the victim continues since they would have to participate in a protracted and drawn-out death sentence procedure.
Such lawsuits may go on for many years, adding to the victim’s hardship.
She also expresses worry over the fact that many child sex abuse victims are aware of their attackers, and many of these cases include family members.
