Jessicas Law – Proposition 83
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BB6 Jessicas Law
Proposition 83 was named after Jessica Lunsford, a nine-year-old who was taken from her home and brutally murdered three weeks later. It happened on February 23, 2005 in Homosassa, Florida. Jessica lived with her father and grandparents. Living next to them was a registered sex offender with an extensive criminal history and outstanding warrants for probation violations. The family had no idea that this man lived next to them. The man confessed to abducting, raping, and burying Jessica alive only 150 yards from the home where she had lived. Proposition 83 was introduced in memory of Jessicas abduction, and to help insure that it doesnt happen to someone else
A rape or sexual assault occurs every two minutes. A child is abused every 35 seconds” (Schwarzenegger). Proposition 83, also known as Jessicas Law was made by the parents of Jessica Lunsford. “Five months ago, my daughter was taken from her bed, across the street, repeatedly raped for three days and then she was buried alive,” said Mark Lunsford, Jessicas father. “These are not the kind of things that are supposed to happen to our children” (Comey). Yet, sadly these horrific things go on everyday. On average a pedophilia spends 128 days in jail and only has a 16.3% probability of being sent to prison (Statistics). Jessicas Law would be increasing the security, prison sentencing, and extending restrictions for registered offenders. Sexually committed crimes happen far too often particularly to children because they are defenseless. We as parents, older siblings, cousins, aunts or uncles and friends, have an obligation to protect and defend any child! It is vital for this proposition to become a law.
I support this proposition because it intensifies the penalty of all child predators. Presently, there is uncertainty in the law and this is what helps the attorneys help the offenders find the loopholes in the system so they can be let off, resulting in the very low sentencing and even arrest rate. Jessicas Law will close all loopholes making it mandatory to serve a minimum of 15 years to life (Comparison). The offenders will have their parole lengthened up to ten years and their current probation rights will be removed. Also, if the predator has served their time and commits the crime again then they will be sent to prison for 25 years to life. It also adds kidnapping and burglary with intent of sexual abuse to their crime, making the punishment intensified (Comparison). In addition, they will expand the characterization of “sex offender” so fewer predators will go unpunished.