Mississippi's New Child Abuse Law | Tucson News

Mississippi just enacted a sweeping new law making sexual battery of children under twelve a capital crime, with death penalty or life without parole as the only options. Senator Jeremy England defends it as a necessary deterrent to protect the most vulnerable, calling such crimes “horrific.” But critics like Abraham Bonowitz argue life without parole already delivers justice and that the death penalty could scare victims away, especially if offenders are family members. Bonowitz also notes public support for life without parole often rises when it’s presented as a guaranteed alternative to execution. England insists the death penalty’s deterrent power remains central to the law’s intent, leaving a deeply divided debate over punishment, justice, and victim impact. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/8d31d012205443ef