NationStates Jolt Archive


So...what punishment SHOULD sex offenders get?

Zarakon
26-01-2007, 01:57
Well, there's a lot of argument for how sex offenders should be punished. I'm just wondering how you guys think.


I'm leaning towards like 1-9 years in prison in most cases, and in some cases being put on the sex offender list.
Smunkeeville
26-01-2007, 01:59
we should attempt to rehabilitate them, if they are not rehabilitate they should be locked up indefinitely.
The Nazz
26-01-2007, 02:00
The question is too wide open right now. Are you talking about child rape or exposing yourself or what? Are you putting the 35 year old who molests a 9 year old in the same category as the 18 year old who sleeps with his/her 15 year old significant other?
Zarakon
26-01-2007, 02:01
The question is too wide open right now. Are you talking about child rape or exposing yourself or what? Are you putting the 35 year old who molests a 9 year old in the same category as the 18 year old who sleeps with his/her 15 year old significant other?

Make whatever conclusion you want. A sex offender law is going to be broad-reaching, so yes, we are treating these two the same.
IL Ruffino
26-01-2007, 02:01
Counseling and a short prison term.
Soheran
26-01-2007, 02:03
Other: Punishment should vary depending on the severity of the offense.
The Nazz
26-01-2007, 02:06
Make whatever conclusion you want. A sex offender law is going to be broad-reaching, so yes, we are treating these two the same.
That's stupid. I really don't have much more to add to it.
Infinite Revolution
26-01-2007, 02:09
other: counselling and rehabilitation, if unsuccessful then inprisonment or confinement in a secure mental hospital until such a time as they are judged to be reformed.
CthulhuFhtagn
26-01-2007, 02:12
Voted for everything. It depends on the exact nature of the crime.
Wilgrove
26-01-2007, 02:12
Long Prison term, sex offender list, and counseling.

If he repeats his offense then he gets life in prison without parole.
Zarakon
26-01-2007, 02:18
That's stupid. I really don't have much more to add to it.

Sex offense punishments often are.
Vetalia
26-01-2007, 02:19
Personally, I think it should be decided on a case by case basis.

I mean, an 18 year old having sex with a 15 year old might not be a good thing, but it shouldn't be classified the same as a guy who molested his 6 year old son or daughter. There's simply no comparison.
King Bodacious
26-01-2007, 02:20
Depends on the situation:
1. any adult (18+) who molests a child 0-14=Mandatory Life Sentence of 25 yrs with no chance of early release up to the Death Penalty depending on the case and how horrendous it may be.
2. an adult (20+) who has sex with a 15 & 16 yr old 3 years, probation, and/or Rehab. Depends on the circumstances.
3. Anyone that has the maximum of 3 years difference in age and is 100% consenting on both sides, I think it would be okay. I don't feel we should destroy their lives for an incident like that.

#1 and 2. would also be listed as a sexual offender for life and as for #1 if they get out after the 25 yrs would be required to wear an anket monitor.
Moosle
26-01-2007, 02:22
other: counselling and rehabilitation, if unsuccessful then inprisonment or confinement in a secure mental hospital until such a time as they are judged to be reformed.

I'm a bit skeptical of the counselling/ rehabilitation mode.

1) How do you know when they are truly 'reformed'?
2) If not used in conjunction with prison/ some other form of punishment, how does it punish the crime?
3) Can counseling really change the desires, or tendencies, of a person?

I suppose I just doubt that counseling will really change the person. Oh, sure the guy/gal can pretend it works. Or they can believe it worked, but when confronted with temptation realize the old desires are still there. Does counseling really change the likelihood of them re-committing the act?
Snafturi
26-01-2007, 02:22
Molesting or raping a child falls into the "unforgivable crime" section. Lock em up forever.

BTW: This shouldn't include statutory rape. Too much of a gray area.
Northern Borders
26-01-2007, 02:29
It really depends on the case. If its possible for the criminal to reabilitate, give him some years in prison (5 to 10) then release him. Of course, child rapists should be locked forever.

About a 18 year old guy "raping" his 15 year old girlfriend, the law should alow a 15 year old women to comply or not with sex. In Japan, the youngest age of consent sex is 13 years old. Which means that a 15 year old should have the freedom to have sex with anyone she wants, even if the guy is 30 years older.
Gravlen
26-01-2007, 02:45
The question is too wide open right now.

I thought that's why there was a multiple choice poll, so I selected 6 of the options.

But I think I agree with you...
Laquasa Isle
26-01-2007, 02:46
we should attempt to rehabilitate them, if they are not rehabilitate they should be locked up indefinitely.

I think we should also apply this wonderfull approach to Osama. And convicted Serial Killers.


"So, Mr. Meyers, what does this picture make you think of?"

"A bunch of fucking ink on a page."
East Lithuania
26-01-2007, 02:48
I don't include statutory rape under what i chose, cause if both parties comply i don't think it's rape. I put sex offender list in some cases meaning second offense, plus rehabilitation and short prison sentence, extending the sentence with more and more offenses.
Damaske
26-01-2007, 02:51
castration.

Seriously though...depends on the case. 5-10 years prison,counseling,the list,probation. If its a repeat..life in prison.
The Undead States
26-01-2007, 02:56
I am all for castrating rapists and child molesters. Statutory rape is a different story though.
Kinda Sensible people
26-01-2007, 03:01
we should attempt to rehabilitate them, if they are not rehabilitate they should be locked up indefinitely.

What she said.

Too many people have a stupid knee-jerk reaction to the issue, which is actually harmful to the justice system. Until we can take the mob rule and anger out of the system, all we will do is put offenders away for x amount of time, and then turn them loose to repeat their crimes. We need to be calm, rational, and, above all, moral.
Sheni
26-01-2007, 03:06
...Erm has anyone considered castration?

No.
We really don't want to regress past the dark ages here.

EDIT: Meh first time warp! Yay!
New Ausha
26-01-2007, 03:08
...Erm has anyone considered castration?
Kinda Sensible people
26-01-2007, 03:20
No.
We really don't want to regress past the dark ages here.

EDIT: Meh first time warp! Yay!

Regress? How can we regress if the time-stream isn't a constant? ;)
Soviestan
26-01-2007, 03:37
I think they should be shot, plain and simple. They are no better than dogs.
Zarakon
26-01-2007, 03:49
No.
We really don't want to regress past the dark ages here.


Speaking of which, I always loved the way a (fictional) city handles woman raping people. It involves something that I think is basically rubber cement.


Figure it out.
Good Lifes
26-01-2007, 03:50
castration for men

Hysterectomy then tw-- sewn shut for women
Soheran
26-01-2007, 03:50
I think they should be shot, plain and simple. They are no better than dogs.

Do you think dogs should be shot, too?
Congo--Kinshasa
26-01-2007, 04:05
Rapists should be castrated and hanged.

Child rapists should be castrated and burned to death.

People who commit non-rape sexual abuse should be publicly flogged and then imprisoned (with the number of floggings and the jail sentence being doubled if the victim was a child).

People who expose themselves should be swatted on the wrist with a rolled up newspaper and lightly fined (with the amount doubling with repeat offense).
Soheran
26-01-2007, 04:09
People who expose themselves should be swatted on the wrist with a rolled up newspaper and lightly fined (with the amount doubling with repeat offense).

Why fine them at all?
Congo--Kinshasa
26-01-2007, 04:10
Why fine them at all?

It would be a light fine, like a few dollars at most.
Selginius
26-01-2007, 04:51
Actually, a castrati was still alive (there is actually a recording) at the beginning of the 20th century.

Child Molesters:
Castration - physical, not chemical - and life in prison.

Rapists (excluding statutory):
The same.

Indecent Exposure:
Small fine and sex offender list from 1-10 years, depending on the case and # of offenses.
Cookavich
26-01-2007, 04:56
Do you think dogs should be shot, too?Good point maybe he should have phrased it as they're no better than cats.
SpazyFlyGirl
26-01-2007, 05:00
I fully agree with you Selginius! Castration and life in prison with the victim at anytime being allowed to come into their cell and beat the living crap out of them (without killing so they continue to suffer)!!!

SO :upyours: to any of you who may fall in that category reading this.
The Scandinvans
26-01-2007, 05:41
They should be rapped by the people they offended.
Congo--Kinshasa
26-01-2007, 05:47
They should be rapped by the people they offended.

"Rapped?"
The Scandinvans
26-01-2007, 05:49
"Rapped?"Yes, I consider rapping the ultimate form of cruel punishment.
New Granada
26-01-2007, 05:55
Sex offense isnt as bad as murder, so a lesser punishment than murder is just.
United Chicken Kleptos
26-01-2007, 06:20
Yes, I consider rapping the ultimate form of cruel punishment.

What if the rapper is Eminem?
UnHoly Smite
26-01-2007, 06:21
Life for anybody who harms a child. Anbody who rapes or molests a child should be killed.
The Scandinvans
26-01-2007, 06:25
What if the rapper is Eminem?Even, I am not that evil as to make people listen to him.
Bottle
26-01-2007, 13:38
Well, there's a lot of argument for how sex offenders should be punished. I'm just wondering how you guys think.


I'm leaning towards like 1-9 years in prison in most cases, and in some cases being put on the sex offender list.
Life in a hard-labor camp with no possibility of parole. All income generated by the prisoners goes first to paying their keep, and then any excess goes to funding victim's rights organizations, sexual violence prevention, and comprehensive sex ed.
New Burmesia
26-01-2007, 13:41
It depends, of course, upon the degree and nature of the offence.
Cabra West
26-01-2007, 13:47
Counseling and rehabilitation as far as possible.
Ifreann
26-01-2007, 13:55
Depends on the case, but rehab and some manner of counselling should be part of the sentence.
New Populistania
26-01-2007, 15:17
It depends on the type of sex offence, rape or otherwise. Here is a list of the categories of sex offence.

RAPE

Aggravated rape by stranger involving use of a firearm.
Aggravated rape by stranger involving wounding with a weapon other than a firearm.
Aggravated rape by stranger involving weapon other than a firearm but no wounding.
Aggravated rape by stranger involving wounding without a weapon.
Aggravated rape by stranger involving forced restraint but no actual wounding.
Aggravated rape by known associate other than partner involving use of a firearm.
Aggravated rape by known associate other than partner involving wounding with a weapon other than a firearm.
Aggravated rape by known associate other than partner involving weapon other than a firearm but no wounding.
Aggravated rape by known associate other than partner involving wounding without a weapon.
Aggravated rape by known associate other than partner involving forced restraint but no actual wounding.
Aggravated rape by partner involving use of a firearm.
Aggravated rape by partner involving wounding with a weapon other than a firearm.
Aggravated rape by partner involving weapon other than a firearm but no wounding.
Aggravated rape by partner involving wounding without a weapon.
Aggravated rape by partner involving forced restraint but no actual wounding.
Rape involving deliberate intoxication of victim by partner.
Rape involving deliberate intoxication of victim by known associate other than partner.
Rape involving deliberate intoxication of victim by stranger.

Anything else isn’t rape.

OTHER SEXUAL OFFENCES

Unlawful intercourse by adult against a person under age of twelve.
Unlawful intercourse by adult against a person under age of sixteen.
Unlawful sale of sexual intercourse to other person. (prostitution).
Trafficking of other persons for purpose of sale of sexual services.
Indecent assault involving a weapon.
Indecent assault without a weapon and involving injury.
Indecent assault without a weapon and but with no injury involving injury.
Indecent contact not involving actual assault against other person.
Acts of gross public indecency.
Acts of trivial public indecency.
Threatening to use acts of sexual assault or forced intercourse against another person.

THE PENALTIES SHOULD BE AS FOLLOWS

Category A: Worst Offences. 4-20 years incarceration.

Aggravated rape by stranger involving use of a firearm.
Aggravated rape by stranger involving wounding with a weapon other than a firearm.
Aggravated rape by known associate other than partner involving use of a firearm.
Aggravated rape by known associate other than partner involving wounding with a weapon other than a firearm.

Category B: Very Serious Offences. 3-15 years incarceration.

Aggravated rape by stranger involving weapon other than a firearm but no wounding.
Aggravated rape by stranger involving wounding without a weapon.
Aggravated rape by known associate other than partner involving weapon other than a firearm but no wounding.
Aggravated rape by known associate other than partner involving wounding without a weapon.
Aggravated rape by partner involving use of a firearm.
Aggravated rape by partner involving wounding with a weapon other than a firearm.
Trafficking of other persons for purpose of sale of sexual services.

Category C: Serious Offences. 2-10 years incarceration.

Aggravated rape by stranger involving forced restraint but no actual wounding.
Aggravated rape by known associate other than partner involving forced restraint but no actual wounding.
Aggravated rape by partner involving weapon other than a firearm but no wounding.
Aggravated rape by partner involving wounding without a weapon.
Rape involving deliberate intoxication of victim by stranger.
Rape involving deliberate intoxication of victim by known associate other than partner.

Category D: Moderate Offences. 1-5 years incarceration.

Aggravated rape by partner involving forced restraint but no actual wounding.
Rape involving deliberate intoxication of victim by partner.
Indecent assault involving a weapon.
Indecent assault without a weapon and involving injury.
Unlawful intercourse by adult against a person under age of twelve.
Unlawful sale of sexual intercourse to other person. (prostitution).

Category E: Minor Offences. 0-2 years incarceration or 0-4 years probation.

Unlawful intercourse by adult against a person under age of sixteen.
Indecent assault without a weapon and but with no injury involving injury.
Indecent contact not involving actual assault against other person.
Acts of gross public indecency.

Category F: Very Minor Offences. 0-2 years probation.

Acts of trivial public indecency.
Threatening to use acts of sexual assault or forced intercourse against another person.
New Populistania
26-01-2007, 15:26
I also would like to say that I think that you don't need a sex offender's register when you have got proper punishments. Sex offender's registers and other gimmicks such as giving the locations of child molesters are more useless policies that are introduced by left-wing governments who don't want to spend money on jailing people.
LiberationFrequency
26-01-2007, 15:38
Clockwork Orange style rehabilitation
Bottle
26-01-2007, 16:19
*snip for length*
I noticed that you award lower penalties to partners who rape than you do to strangers who rape. Why is that? Why should somebody's boyfriend or husband be given a lighter sentence for doing something that would have a stranger sent to prison for much longer?

In other words, why does being somebody's boyfriend/husband give you greater freedom to rape them?

Also, given that the majority of rapes are committed by somebody who is known to the victim, why should lighter sentences be given to such rapists? Shouldn't we be concerned with reducing the most common forms of rape?
Jello Biafra
26-01-2007, 16:25
A sentence to a facility, possibly a psychiatric one, with the intention of observing these people to prevent more of them from happening. The length of the sentence to the facility depends upon the crime committed.
Ice Hockey Players
26-01-2007, 16:48
In another thread, I broke down how I would punish all offenders into five categories, with Category 1 offenders being ordinary shoplifters and bad drivers while Category 5 offenders are terrorists and serial killers. Let's see how this applies to sex offenders:

Category 1: let's see...indecent exposure, consensual sex with anyone below the age of consent (and it has to be proven to be consensual, though both parties' sworn testimony and the absence of coercion will suffice for that,) issuing rape threats (without any further intimidation)
Penalty: Fines, community service, counseling

Category 2: Repeats of Category 1, as well as any rape threats with further intimidation and indecent exposure in a more public area...also consensual sex that results in injury, sexual acts in public, and knowingly infecting a person witha curable STD
Penalty: House arrest, monitoring, counseling, probation, possible restraining orders and special rules

Category 3: Repeats of Category 2, as well as showing adult material to a child, possession of child pornography, any sexual act under the influence of alcohol or drugs (but is otherwise consensual), very open sexual acts in public, knowingly infecting a person with a non-curable but non-lethal STD, sexual acts that result in accidental death, and consensual sex that results in permanent damage
Penalty: Jail time, during which inmates can still receive visits, learn new trades, and take time to relax...and still receive three meals a day

Category 4: Repeats of Category 3, rapists, child molestors, sexual acts that result in intentional death, knowingly infecting a person with a lethal, non-curable STD such as AIDS, creation of child pornography, any sex, no matter how consensual, with someone pre-pubescent or under 13, any sexual act with someone who is too mentally impaired to consent, and pre-meditated date rape
Penalty: Prison time, anywhere from 30 years for rapists, 40 years for child molestors (life is reserved for murderers,) and life for murderous acts

Category 5: Unruly Category 4's, serial rapist-murderers, serial child molestors, severe cases of child pornography (by that, I mean holding children hostage in cruel environments for the purpose of filming them, depicting adults raping them, or making children perform sexual acts on each other, and usually this would only go this extreme if there's lots of evidence of this)
Penalty: Permanent incarceration in the highest security, almost no amenities, isolation, 24/7 monitoring, no human contact, and no-questions-asked death for escaping
Farnhamia
26-01-2007, 17:01
I don't know, I think the law should be flexible enough to allow each case to be judged individually. One would like to hope that some sex offenders can be rehabilitated, though I realize that many simply cannot be. I'm tempted to say that the penalties go up with each repeat offense, a "three strikes, you're out" rule, but that seems to me to give them a couple free ones before we lock them up forever, and that doesn't sit well with this sort of crime.
Dempublicents1
26-01-2007, 17:23
Until the term "sex offender" is more narrowly defined in the law, the term itself is useless in determining what crime, if any, has been committed. A "sex offender" might be a child rapist or might be some guy who told a dirty joke at work. The term is utterly useless.

Some "sex offenders" should receive no legal punishment at all. Some should be fined. Some should be put into therapy. Some should be put in jail for a short time. Some should be put in jail for life. Some are no danger to the public. Some are dangerous enough that we should track them. And so on....

I know a "sex offender." What was his crime? He sold a comic book that the courts agreed was not lewd to a person who was not under 18. That got him labeled as a sex offender and he now must introduce himself as such to everyone in the neighborhood any time he moves. He cannot live within a certain distance of a church or school. Why? Because he owns a comic book shop and the DA doesn't like him.
Zarakon
27-01-2007, 02:22
It would be a light fine, like a few dollars at most.

Shouldn't WE by paying THEM?
East Lithuania
27-01-2007, 03:38
Clockwork Orange style rehabilitation

that would be awsome. Just plain awsome
Similization
27-01-2007, 04:10
Make whatever conclusion you want. A sex offender law is going to be broad-reaching, so yes, we are treating these two the same.In that case: no punishment. We'll simply have to apply mob-justice to the ones that hurt people.
Bummies
27-01-2007, 04:20
Just ship them all off to some island somewhere. Let them SEXUALLY OFFEND one another.
JuNii
27-01-2007, 04:30
Well, there's a lot of argument for how sex offenders should be punished. I'm just wondering how you guys think.


I'm leaning towards like 1-9 years in prison in most cases, and in some cases being put on the sex offender list.

1st offense under 2 counts. - 6 months in jail, forced into rehab. temperary registration.
1st offense 2 counts and more. - 6 months in jail per count, forced rehab, perm registration

2nd offense - 2 years per count. unable to live near schools, suspension of Drivers Licence, electronic monitoring.

3rd offense - 4 years per count. Vascetomy/tying of tubes (for female offenders) performed, move to an isolated island community (no children allowed.) no contact with outside world.
The Lone Alliance
27-01-2007, 06:25
For statutory rape:
Counciling, and asking the victim if they want to press charges, no automatic stuff.

If yes then throw the book at them.

Molesting, Rape, etc:
PHYSICAL Castration, Near Life term.

If it's multiple cases, DEATH.
Zarakon
27-01-2007, 06:28
For statutory rape:
Counciling, and asking the victim if they want to press charges, no automatic stuff.

If yes then throw the book at them.

I disagree. They consented, and if they don't like that decision, tough shit.
The Lone Alliance
27-01-2007, 06:31
I disagree. They consented, and if they don't like that decision, tough shit.
Usually if they really consented, then they wouldn't want to press charges. Oh and parents aren't allowed to 'help' the victim make a decision.

But even then the charge shouldn't go beyond probation and a fine. No life in prison for it.

Like that report that two underage people that had been charged with statutory rape for having sex WITH EACH OTHER. That would have been thrown out instantly.
Bitchkitten
27-01-2007, 07:24
My choices are assuming this isn't one of those ridiculous case like 18 year old with his consenting 15 and 1/2 year old girlfriend or guy who slept with mature looking 14 year old he met at the bar with her fake ID.

In cases where there was a real victim I want long prison terms with counseling. Life terms for repeat offenders.
The blessed Chris
28-01-2007, 01:48
Dependant, evidently, upon the magnitude of the crime, and the likelihood of rehaibilitation.

Pertaining to rapists, paedophiles andthose deemed unfit for re-integration, I'd have them shot. For the rest, psychotherapy, community service, and incarcerations of somewhere in the region of 10 years ought to suffice.
Anti-Social Darwinism
28-01-2007, 01:52
Sex offenders should get, at best, life imprisonment; at worst, death. Killing a person is heinous, but you take their life and it's done. They aren't damaged for the rest of their lives. Their families grieve and get on with their lives. The victims of sexual violence and their families will suffer from the consequences for the rest of their lives. (sidebar - I don't understand why the law considers murder a more heinous offense than rape given the consequences of rape).
Zarakon
28-01-2007, 04:00
Sex offenders should get, at best, life imprisonment; at worst, death. Killing a person is heinous, but you take their life and it's done. They aren't damaged for the rest of their lives. Their families grieve and get on with their lives. The victims of sexual violence and their families will suffer from the consequences for the rest of their lives. (sidebar - I don't understand why the law considers murder a more heinous offense than rape given the consequences of rape).

...You're in favor of life in prison for someone that commits statutory(sp?) rape?
Changito
28-01-2007, 04:25
Depends on situation, but death in most cases straight across the board.
Dempublicents1
28-01-2007, 04:43
...You're in favor of life in prison for someone that commits statutory(sp?) rape?

Or sells comics that aren't lewd to a person that isn't under 18?
Posi
28-01-2007, 04:54
Death by snoo-snoo.
Zarakon
28-01-2007, 04:57
Death by snoo-snoo.

"Snoo-Snoo"?
Utracia
28-01-2007, 05:36
My choices are assuming this isn't one of those ridiculous case like 18 year old with his consenting 15 and 1/2 year old girlfriend

I agree that a situation like this hardly equals something like kiddie rape. I really don't think though that this is fine though so some lesser sentence needs to be thought of. I would question where the line would be drawn though for the older partner. 19? 20? And one is definately needed for nothing is going to convince me that a 15 year old really understands the full array of consequences of their actions and the chances of being manipulated by someone older are emense which is why they are still classified as being minors and adults have no business going near them in any sexual way.

or guy who slept with mature looking 14 year old he met at the bar with her fake ID.

I think "mature 14 yr old" doesn't make sense at all in this circumstance. An adult having sex with a girl of such an age is a criminal. Period. In this sort of circumstance a sentence of moderate severity is needed, say 10 yrs in prison. Consent matters not when dealing with children of this age, the adult goes to prison and I say good riddance. To claim otherwise is on the same level of pedophiles claiming that the victim "asked for it". Saying the victim is more "mature" then their age suggests is no better then that.

In cases where there was a real victim I want long prison terms with counseling. Life terms for repeat offenders.

For the more serious crimes, like forcible rape of any kind, I really don't care if it is against adults or children, life in prison is the only answer for such animals. Toss them into the general population, let their fellow prisoners show them the folly of their actions.
Gartref
28-01-2007, 05:54
So...what punishment SHOULD sex offenders get?


We should let a xenomorph lay eggs on their prostate.
Ontario within Canada
28-01-2007, 06:04
Depends on the severity of offense.
In the case of a serial rapist, castration doesn't seem to be unreasonable.
Nationalian
28-01-2007, 09:41
I voted "Counseling and a short prison term".
Vernasia
28-01-2007, 10:19
My response to the poll is based on the assumption that the police will continue to ignore teenage couples where one is under sixteen.
Prison as a punishment, counselling as rehabilitation, and sex offenders list to protect the public.