View source for Tougher penalty for child sex abuse cases may be too tough

Opponents of proposed legislation that would mandate an automatic 25-year prison sentence for people convicted of child molestation say the stiff penalty may come at too great a cost, financially and emotionally. According to Wisconsin's Department of Corrections, the state would need nine new prisons at a cost of more than 400 (M) million dollars to house the additional prisoners the law would affect.<br>
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Supporters of the tough sentence say too many offenders plea-bargain their way to sentences that are too lenient. Opponents say plea bargains can help kids avoid protracted and traumatic trials, but defendants who fear a mandatory sentence will demand a full trial. Opponents also say most child abusers are related to the child, and family members may not turn in offenders if the penalty will be so severe.<br>
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<i>source: 'Tougher penalty for child sex abuse cases may be too tough'; www.wbay.com/ Global/story.asp?S=4147276; WBAY-TV (Associated Press); 21 November 2005</i>

[[Category:Mandatory sentences]]
[[Category:Minimum straffen]]
[[Category:USA]]