Outrageous

This article from Go San Angelo's article: "FLDS: 75 Year Sentence Called Harsh", explains what we all know, the 75 year sentence handed down by a Texas jury to Merrill Leroy Jessop was extreme, on the "high end", and unusual (if not unheard of) for first time offenders.

Even considering that consent is no defense for sex with a minor, it has been considered a mitigating factor in sentencing. In other words, some offenders receive lighter sentences due to several factors, first time offense, consent of "victim", among others, that were present in this case, but were ignored by this jury.

I am appalled. This is not justice for anyone, especially not justice for the victim, and does not serve society's interest to mete out fair and reasonable punishment.

It is the kind of ruling that reveals bias, and a bias that has clearly governed the decision-making of this process.

Here's the deal. We all have bias. We all have opinions on right and wrong. The key is to set aside our personal biases and make fair and equitable, JUST decisions when we are in positions of power over other people and their lives.

This "victim" has now been punished by this verdict. She is a part of this culture, and a part of this man's family. She has not been saved by this verdict. She has been insulted, and don't anyone think for a second that she does not FEEL insulted by this.

I have said this many times, I do not believe that girls should be married at such young ages, but the FLDS IS a culture with its own value system, faith, economic structure and cultural mores, and whether or not any of us agree with that system, it is NOT right to disregard it or forcibly dismantle it.

Read the article. This Texas jury failed in its duty. Period.

The 75-year verdict was "outrageous".