Summary
U.S. Representative Nancy Mace introduced a bill to allow the death penalty for certain child sexual abuse crimes. The proposed law conflicts with a 2008 Supreme Court decision that said the death penalty for non-homicide crimes, like child rape, is unconstitutional. If passed, the bill could lead to legal challenges aiming to overturn the previous Supreme Court ruling.
Key Facts
- Nancy Mace is a U.S. Representative from South Carolina.
- The bill allows the death penalty for serious sexual offenses against children.
- It aims to change current federal law and military justice codes.
- The 2008 Supreme Court ruling Kennedy v. Louisiana deemed death penalty for child rape unconstitutional.
- The bill could face legal challenges based on past Supreme Court decisions.
- Some states have passed similar laws, though they are unenforceable under current Supreme Court precedent.
- Supporters believe current punishments for child rape are insufficient.
- Critics caution it might lessen crime reporting and could lead to wrongful convictions.
