Florida's Striking New Law: Death Penalty for a Heinous Crime

Photo byPhoto by: Gage Skidmore

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new emotional law permitting the death penalty for anyone who commits sexual battery on minors under 12 years old.

He's setting the groundwork for a potential legal battle. And DeSantis must know he's making an emotional argument that will steer controversy and score easy political points with his core voters.

"Unfortunately, in our society, we have very heinous sex crimes committed against children under 12 years old. These are really the worst of the worst. The perpetrators of these crimes are often serial offenders," said DeSantis.

The illegal move

The bill in question, HB 1297, contradicts U.S. law. Precedents from the U.S. Supreme Court and the Florida Supreme Court prohibit the death penalty for rapists.

However, DeSantis and the bill's backers in Congress have been open about challenging the rulings.

According to DeSantis' office, the governor is prepared to take this law to the U.S. Supreme Court" to overturn legal precedents that wrongly spared child rapists the death penalty and prevented victims and their loved ones from seeking the highest form of retribution against these awful perpetrators.

The bill, which had already received the support of the House, was approved by the Senate last month.

"In Florida, we stand for the protection of children," the Florida governor said.

According to the proposed law, criminals could be given the death penalty if at least eight of the jury's twelve members support it. Judges would have the option of providing defendants with a life sentence or the death penalty. If fewer than eight jurors support the death penalty, life in prison would be the verdict.

The "sentencing phase" of cases, as it is known, would be impacted by the measure. Before the sentencing phase can start, juries still need to find the defendants guilty unanimously.

Florida has executed 99 prisoners since the death sentence was reintroduced in 1976.

Rick Scott, a former governor, approved the most death warrants, which is 28.

What do you think about the new law?

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