Reader comments
Pass revised 'Jessica's Law'

A parent | 1:25 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Great editorial! My praise goes out to Rep. Wimmer for this magnificent law! I have read it and am very glad it provides tougher penalties for those who violae children (which in Utah is a child 13 years old and YOUNGER) Great work Rep. Wimmer!

RealityCheck | 9:36 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Ask Floridians how Jessica's Law is working down there. Hint: It isn't.

realitywhat? | 9:47 a.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Did you not just read that this is different than Florida, or the other "cookie cutter" laws? What's you solution? Rehabilitaion which almost NEVER works?

Comments continue below

Judeca | 3:25 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Redefine Jessica's law to apply to just child predators, and you may have something. But in California at least, this is a blanket law that applies to all offenders, including the he said/she said, the 18 year old MAN and his 17 year old child girlfriend.

johnny | 4:20 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

Judeca read the bill!! That is exactly what THIS law does..

Anonymous | 11:02 p.m. Jan. 10, 2008

realitywhat,
where did you get your source?
"Rehabilitaion which almost NEVER works?"
I just proved you wrong
Within 3 years following their release, 5.3% of sex offenders (men who had committed rape or sexual assault) were rearrested for another sex crime.

I have my source
Recidivism of Sex Offenders Released from Prison in 1994

do a google (html link not allow here)

realitywhat | 2:54 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008

Your messing with the wrong person if you want to debate this. In 1999 a US department of justice study found that the average sex offender commits their crimes for 17 years prior to being caught the FIRST TIME! When they are released just because 5 percent go back does NOT mean they are not re committing the crime.

A study at Johns Hopkins University showed that of sex offenders who are sociopaths 85 percent violently re-offend. Almost 97 percent of child sex offenders are clinical sociopaths.

Do you want to keep going? You will lose. I have studied this issue more than almost anyone in the state of Utah.

William Rights | 6:59 a.m. Jan. 11, 2008

Reality,
I respectfully disagree with your statistics. There are countless studies much more current and accurate than the one done in 1999. In fact why is is that almost all experts in this field, the ones who work with the victims and the offenders, all are saying the same thing: These sex offender laws are just a placebo and give a false sense of security. They do not prevent sex offenses. I'm not going to argue with you because it is obvious you are not willing to listen to any points that go against your beleifs. I would just say, do a little more research, with an open mind and see what you find out.

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