(CMR) A new Florida law that could lead to imposing the death penalty on people who rape children under age 12 came into effect Sunday, 1 October, along with other laws passed during the 2023 legislative session.
Earlier this year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill allowing the death penalty in child rape convictions, despite a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that banned capital punishment in such cases.
The Supreme Court ruled in 2008 ruling that it was unconstitutional to use capital punishment in child sexual battery cases.
During the bill's signing in Brevard County, DeSantis said the measure is “for the protection of children.”
“Unfortunately, in our society, we have very heinous sex crimes that are committed against children under the age of 12 years old. These are really the worst of the worst. The perpetrators of these crimes are often serial offenders,” DeSantis said.
Judges would have the discretion to impose the death penalty or sentence defendants to life in prison. If fewer than eight jurors recommend death, judges must impose life sentences.
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