I very much appreciate the link given for this interview. I listened to the interview in full. This was an excellent chance to see just what the thinking by the gov in Vermont. The tap dancing was spectacular, some of the best I've ever experienced. To summarize what I thought he had to say quickly, those who are targeted by these POSs should be careful. It is important that we realize they are out there and to take common sense care to protect our children. Jessica's law seems a bit harsh and the POSs will be afraid to confess making the prosecutors job harder to get a conviction. Talked about MJ and how he would have been treated under Vermont's new tougher laws they have today than when he was prosecuted for the kidnapping and sexual assault of a 18 year old. It sounds like he might have gotten another 2 years or so but nothing is mandatory. The Atny Gen pointed out that this was a case involving an 18 year old, and not a child. Lots of $ and time out there being used to coax the offender to confess since it is so hard to get a conviction when the child is unable, unwilling, to testify. He also mentions how hard it is when the child isn't able to sound convincing. If this guy has his way you will not see Jessica's law in Vermont. He glosses over DNA and other possible evidence in favor of the child's quality of telling their story on the stand.
Again, do not expect there to be any change here unless it is to do some cosmetic changes that will be aimed at making the taxpayer feel better. I'd be interested in some feed back.
