Does Child Rape Warrant the Death Penalty?
Patrick Kennedy is on death row at Louisiana's Angola Prison, awaiting capital punishment for brutally raping his 8-year-old step daughter.
But does executing someone for child rape violate the 8th Amendment, which bars cruel and unusual punishment?
For insight, Farai Chideya speaks with Ted Cruz, the former Solicitor General of Texas, who also participated in Kennedy's Supreme Court appeal.
We also hear from Judy Benitez, the executive director of the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault.
Related NPR Stories
Does Child Rape Warrant the Death Penalty? May 30, 2008
Comments
Discussions for this story are now closed. Please see the Community FAQ for more information.