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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 3 page paper discussing the need for change in sentencing guidelines binding judges to impose minimum sentences in cases of rape. In 2001, two youths received only minor sentences for raping two schoolgirls at knifepoint. The sentences enraged the community, but it likely does more harm than good. In light of the very light sentences these youths received, they are likely to emerge from prison as very young, very angry men who see women as holding blame for their unfortunate lives, rather than being forced to take responsibility for their own actions. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Page Count:
3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: CC6_KSlawAusRape.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
of rape can be a convoluted subject. Whereas clear violence for violences own sake typically provides more clear-cut lines, how to deal with that involving alcohol or committed by
an acquaintance is less clear. One aspect of the criminal nature of rape under Australian law ripe for change is the set of sentencing guidelines by which judges pronounce
sentence on those convicted of rape. The Issue of Consent In 2001, politicians and community groups in Sydney responded with outrage at the
sentences received by two "youths guilty of repeatedly raping two schoolgirls at knifepoint" (Connolly and Kennedy, 2001). One of the boys received a term of six years, the other
received a sentence of five years seven months. A third youth involved in the incident but not in the rape received 18 months. The judge "had the power
to imprison two of the youths for up to 20 years" (Connolly and Kennedy, 2001), and the violent nature of the rape led members of the community to believe that
the youths should have received much longer sentences. There have been changes in Australian law - or at least in the interpretation of
it - leading the women involved in acquaintance rape where alcohol is involved to being required to assume an element of blame. Application of this principle results in intoxicated
victims being "assigned more responsibility than sober victims" (Cameron and Stritzke, 2003; p. 983). While this likely is as it should be, given the women must assume responsibility for
allowing themselves to become intoxicated, the same laws assign far less blame to those committing rape when intoxicated. History reveals that "intoxicated perpetrators are assigned less responsibility than sober
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