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Original poster

Rape sentencing America - rehabilitation vs punishment

31 replies

Felascloak · 15/08/2016 13:29

I've just read an article about a US college student who raped a semiconscious student at a party. He received a 2 year community sentence and 20 years on probation because the judge thought prison would not rehabilitate him.

www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/austin-wilkerson-boulder-rape-prison_us_57abb86ce4b06e52746f3b22

This reminds me a lot of the recent Brock turner sentencing.

I'm not sure in cases as serious as rape that "rehabilitation" should be given a higher priority than "punishment".
Also surely such a light sentence works against rehabilitation by sending the message that rape isn't serious enough to result in acustodial term (I'm pretty sure this only applies to white middle class rapists though)
Very glad I am not living in America

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Original poster
Felascloak · 15/08/2016 20:55

The judge seems completely unconcerned as to the impact of this guy on women full stop. I assume the twenty year parole is so he would get a tougher sentence next time. Obviously it hasn't occurred to the judge that a prison sentence could reduce the risk of "next time".
So depressing.

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geekaMaxima · 15/08/2016 19:55

Rehabilitation and punishment are not the only reasons for a custodial sentence, though (and I'm not a supporter of prison as punishment). There's also protection of the public.

Is this man still a danger to women? Is he likely to rape again? Probably. He lied and minimised throughout the trial, and shows no remorse. That should have been reason enough for prison.

I really hope the prosecution can appeal. Sad

AyeAmarok · 15/08/2016 19:52

Very disappointing. For all the reasons mentioned.

Does a community sentence rehabilitate murderers? No. Then why is it OK for rapists?

MadamDeathstare · 15/08/2016 19:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

paddypants13 · 15/08/2016 19:41

When I read your thread title I immediately thought it would be about Brock.

I am at a loss as to what to say to this. The attitude that putting a rapist in prison doesn't benefit anyone. I think the victim would probably disagree and would probably be a little bit comforted by the fact that her rapist is not walking the streets and that his freedom has been taken away. I imagine her life has been a prison since it happened (although I sincerely hope that's not the case). Also, surely long prison sentences would deter other opportunist rapists.

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