BishopAccountability.org
	Time Is Running out Boston Herald [Massachusetts] June 13, 2006 http://news.bostonherald.com/editorial/view.bg?articleid=143372 Only weeks remain in the 2005-2006 legislative session but it seems there will be enough time to debate the merits of self-extinguishing cigarettes. Phew! Surely that means our full-time Legislature can find a few minutes for a bill that would give child rape victims the opportunity to seek justice? Despite a slew of co-sponsors, legislation that would eliminate the statute of limitations in cases of child rape, and the shorter limits for indecent assault and other crimes, has been held up before the Judiciary Committee for over a year. The Coalition to Reform Sexual Abuse Laws in Massachusetts will rally at the State House today to try and get it moving. We all know there is no time limit for murder. But when a child's innocence is brutally snatched away by a sexual predator, they have, at most, 15 years after they turn 16 to prove it (unless their attacker makes like Paul Shanley and leaves the state). Given that many if not most child victims take years to disclose it, that kind of arbitrary limit is wrong and should be eliminated. Defense lawyers and even some prosecutors oppose stopping the clock, concerned a fair trial is impossible because memories and evidence indeed fade with time. But we have great faith in the criminal justice system. The accuser must still present a credible case. The prosecutor must have the evidence to prove it. And most important, a jury must be convinced of the suspect's guilt. If they can't find time for this one, then what on earth are they doing up there?
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