News Scan

Rape and the Death Penalty. Wednesday the United States Supreme Court will determine if a state law which allowed a child rapist to receive a death sentence is constitutional. The case of Kennedy v. Louisiana, (see blog scan April 10), involves the death sentence that Patrick Kennedy received for raping his 8-year-old stepdaughter. Robert Barnes from the Washington Post notes that while supporters demand retribution for those that harm the most vulnerable, child advocacy experts say if the death penalty is utilized for child rapists, it might encourage the rapist to kill the victim.

Cameras for speeders. Steve Hymon of the L.A. Times reports on the new idea that Beverly Hills police have for speed demons. They want the Legislature to allow cameras to capture the faces and license plates of motorists that speed along residential roads. Since similar cameras have been used on roadways in Arizona, the average speed has dropped about 9 mph. While the subject is somewhat controversial, residents and officials think the cameras would focus the attention of motorists.

U.S Supreme Court denied Teen Killer appeal
A story by CNN’s Bill Mears reports that the Court has rejected 12-year-old's appeal of his 30-year prison sentence. Pittman killed both of his grandparents with a shotgun and was tried as an adult. His lawyer wanted to argue that the sentence was cruel and unusual because there is no other inmate serving as severe a sentence for a crime committed at such a young age.

National Crime Victims' Rights Week
April 13th through the 19th is the week when the nation recognizes crime victims, with rallies, candlelight vigils, and other events to honor victims and those who advocate for them. To get more information about what you can do this week go to the National Center for Victims of Crime website.

Death Row inmate Challenges Alabama Lethal Injection Process
The Birmingham News reports that serial murderer Daniel Lee Siebert is challenging the state’s death penalty procedures. Siebert was convicted of killing five people and has confessed to killing more across the country. Alabama's protocol requires that after administering anesthesia to a murderer, a prison officer must call the inmates name, pinch his arm and brush his eyelashes to ensure he is unconscious, before the other two other drugs are injected. Siebert’s argument is that the officer who will test the inmates’ response has no medical background and could make a mistake.

A Nebraska inmate is a "sewer"
According to the AP story, jail Inmate Eric Lewis, awaiting trial for second degree murder, has filed 149 lawsuits since January, 2007. Lewis' lawsuits have sought protection orders against jail employees. All six Lancaster County District Judges signed an order that would limit him to six lawsuits a year unless he can show he is in immediate danger. The judges stated in the order that “Lewis has flagrantly and repeatedly abused the judicial process.”

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