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by Fiddle Playing Creole Bastard on June 15th, 2009
I wonder how it is possible to punish someone who couldn't possibly understand the punishment.
by Gnome of Kevonia is a Cheerwine junkie on June 15th, 2009
I wouldn't give even a IQ 130 18 year old 100 years for raping someone - probably 40 or 50. I think 100 was way overboard. 100 weeks would have done the trick. This person needs mental help not long term incarceration.
by MRSHINYSHOES on June 15th, 2009
I think that was too strict of a sentence, especially for a mentally disabled man with an IQ of 47. The judge or jury should have been more reasonable, taking into consideration that, in general, severely mentally disabled individuals usually have trouble figuring out right from wrong. Their mental capacities, and hence their moral capacities, are both diminished greatly. Thus, criminal acts perpetuated by such individuals should not be handled in the same manner that is afforded to normal people with superior mental capacities and moral judgement.
by Cowtipper on June 15th, 2009
Doesn't matter that they're mentally disabled. They did something wrong, and if they aren't incarcerated, they'd probably keep doing it. Who cares if they are mentally retarded - they're still making others suffer, and they must be dealt with accordingly.
by Sharona Life is a Tale Told by an Idiot on August 30th, 2009
How sick is this system? It's the accusers that should be placed on trial not an innocent mentally disturbed child who has no clue what he did wrong.
by DudeLer 2 on June 15th, 2009
it was probably a set up so the parents wouldnt have to take care of their mentally disabled son. but it back fired and instead of going to mental health he got sent to prison. too bad because the kid doesnt even know why he is there. the judge knew better, but the law had control.
by Your sisters cute friend on June 15th, 2009
It's certainly sad. It makes me wonder if the judges in Texas are getting kickbacks for sending as many people as they can to for-profit prisons, as judges in Pennsylvania were found to be doing:
http://kelliasworld.wordpress.com/2009/02/28/pennsylvanias-kickback-judges-ruining-young-lives-for-profit/
by jaykole on August 30th, 2009
Sometimes it seems that a defendant being abnormal is a sentance multiplier when it comes to convictions, much like if their deeds were a "hate crime". My guess is that this person wasn't well thought of in their neighborhood, even before they did anything criminal. This was just the excuse that the community needed to get this abnormal person out of their quaint little slice of America.
Having said that, molestation is a heinous crime and the victim deserves to feel safe and that their attacker can no longer hurt them. But surely that could be accomplished by sending this person to a psychiatric hospital, instead of prison. I am surprised that this person you describe did not get off on an insanity defence, though obviously they were found guilty. I can only surmise that either they could not afford the same kinds of "expert" witnesses that the state could, or perhaps the jury were, as I said above, prejudiced against this person's abnormality.
by schmee2369 on August 30th, 2009
...hmmm 100 years? I dont think they even give people who molest a child that long. Ones that arnt disabled.
...but I think instead of sentancing them to anything they need to put them into an inpatient place for an amount of time and really GO OVER the reasons why you cant, teach them not to...talk to them, get to the cores of their issues...instruct them on proper behavior, and whatever else more you can do with a mentally disabled person. They can learn, and they can understand....it just takes time and patience and alittle understanding. It would be better for society all the way around to do this anyways...classes, yes...I say classes.
by Anonymous on August 30th, 2009
Even if he is mentally handicapped you can't just let him get away with sexual assault.
by technios on June 15th, 2009
did his lawyer come up with mentally disabled or did the administer of the i.q. test? idk what to say either way.
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You're reading In Texas an 18 year old with mental disabilities and an IQ of 47 was sentenced to 100 years in prison for fondling his neighbors son. This poses a question that may inspire many debates but...Your thoughts on crimes and sentences of the mentally disabled?
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Comments
My thought exactly! Not only that...he doesn't understand the crime, or at least the severity of it! He may be grown but his mind is still a child!
by Kitt-tastrophy on June 15th, 2009
That's exactly how I feel about these situations. Sure, it was bad what he did, but he didn't understand that, most likely, and didn't understand the consequences. I'm sure there are punishment-happy people out there chomping at the bit to get at people who think like you and I do. Thank you for your support, kitt-tastic.
by Fiddle Playing Creole Bastard on June 15th, 2009
Absolutely right! And I can almost see the drool forming in the mouths of those you speak of who wish to drag us down...let them do as they will for we are strong and stand firm! lol :)
You are most welcome and a big thanks to you Noldea!
by Kitt-tastrophy on June 15th, 2009