Marcus Dixon, the black football player, who was sentenced to prison for 10 years for having sex with a 15 year white girl is out of jail. The Supreme Court of Georgia reversed his sentence, declaring him guilty of only statutory rape (not aggrevated child molestation). Dixon had already served 15 months in prison, thus he had served the time for the new conviction, which was 1 year. Dixon and his accuser had dated in high school, and the sex between the two was voluntary. However, his former girlfriend later accused him of rape when her father found out about their relationship. Since Dixon was 18 at the time, he was guilty of statutory rape.
Racial politics aside, I think this case is an example of why the statutory rape law needs to be re-examined. In general I agree with the concept of statutory rape. Indeed it is necessary to protect our children from sexual predators. However what we had in this case was a High School Senior dating a Freshman, which is pretty common (my sister-in law was a freshman when my brother was a senior). I think the exact age gap has to be explored when determining whether a person committed statutory rape. Under the current law a 19 year sleeping with a 17 year old is committing statutory rape; a 18 year with a 16 year old, etc. These people should not be going to jail for this, they are still kids themselves. Good concept...bad execution.
P.S. Here is a link to an article about Marcus Dixon's release from prison:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tm...otrib/rulingsetsyouthfreeinraciallytingedcase
Racial politics aside, I think this case is an example of why the statutory rape law needs to be re-examined. In general I agree with the concept of statutory rape. Indeed it is necessary to protect our children from sexual predators. However what we had in this case was a High School Senior dating a Freshman, which is pretty common (my sister-in law was a freshman when my brother was a senior). I think the exact age gap has to be explored when determining whether a person committed statutory rape. Under the current law a 19 year sleeping with a 17 year old is committing statutory rape; a 18 year with a 16 year old, etc. These people should not be going to jail for this, they are still kids themselves. Good concept...bad execution.
P.S. Here is a link to an article about Marcus Dixon's release from prison:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tm...otrib/rulingsetsyouthfreeinraciallytingedcase