For a long time, people have been debating the laws surrounding sexual assault and rape in the country. While some think jail sentences can be too harsh, others insist on even harder punishments. It seems as if California is siding with those who believe in stricter penalties. According to CNN, California has put a bill into effect that will make jail time mandatory for a person who sexually assaults an intoxicated or unconscious person. The news has people looking into all of the details of this new law.
The bill arose after a sexual assault case made national headlines. CNN is reporting that the legislation took speed after the case surrounding former Stanford University student Brock Turner. After being found guilty of sexually assaulting an unconscious young woman, Turner was given six months of jail time and three months of probation. This came after prosecutors asked for six years of jail time. Turner returned home on September 2nd, and is now required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
Governor Jerry Brown of California has had a lot to say regarding the case. CNN reports that the governor gave the following statement at a press conference addressing the bill.
“As a general matter, I am opposed to adding more mandatory minimum sentences. Nevertheless, I am signing AB 2888, because i believe it brings a measure of parity to sentencing for criminal acts that are substantially similar.”
Sexual assault and rape cases will continue to be a subject of debate in the United States. More and more people believe that attackers need to be held more responsible for their actions. California’s legislation is acknowledging that. As the laws surrounding the crime continue, the public must stay aware of what changes are being made to protect victims of sexual assault.
