Crime and Punishment Weekly Polls 2008

Several high-school girls, some under the age of 16, could be involved in a "pregnancy pact" in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The possible pregnancy pact theory came after school officials investigated an increase in students becoming pregnant and also getting pregnancy tests, sometimes multiple times, at the school clinic.

The men involved in the pregnancies include boys from the high school and older men in their mid-20s.

It is a crime to have sex with anyone under the age of 16 under Massachusetts law.

Poll: Should the males be charged with statutory rape?

1) Yes.
2) Yes, but only the males over the age of 16.
3) No, it was consensual sex.
4) Undecided.

Former Charles Manson follower, Susan Atkins, 60, is expected to live less than six months due to a terminal illness, and wants "compassionate release" from prison to live freely in her last days. Atkins is one of the three Manson Family women responsible for the 1969 brutal slayings of seven people, including actress Sharon Tate.

Poll: Should Susan Atkins be given compassionate release from prison?

1) Yes. She has spent 37 years in prison for her crimes.
2) No. She was a brutal murderer and should die in jail.
3) Undecided

See Also:
Profile of Susan Atkins
Pictures of the Manson Family

In an effort to reduce auto theft, many police departments utilize decoy cars, or bait cars, which are equipped with cameras and tracking equipment. The program is supposed to deter would-be car thieves because the programs are widely publicized.

Poll: Is the practice of using "bait cars" to catch car thieves a deterrent to crime or is it entrapment?

1) Deterrent
2) Entrapment
3) Undecided

In many cases, hate may be seen or perceived to be the motivation for a crime, but criminals may not be charged with a hate crime for a variety of reasons — many of the same reasons that the debate on hate-crime laws continues in this country.

Other major questions in the debate includes the question for this week's poll:

Is it possible to determine without a doubt the motive behind a person's criminal acts?

1) Yes, based on what they say while planning or committing the crime.
2) No. It's impossible to know for sure.
3) Undecided.

Two 26-year-old mothers were at a bar when their house burned down, resulting in the death of five of their children. The women pleaded no contest and received a prison sentence of one to two years and five years' probation.

The women told police that the children were under a babysitter's care, but a police investigation determined two eight-year-old boys were left in charge. The fire began as a result of the children playing with matches.

Poll: Does the sentence match the crime?

1) Yes. One to two years is a tough enough sentence.
2) No. The sentence is as lax as the mothers were in caring for their children.
3) Undecided.

An Ohio man who was ordered by a juvenile court judge to make sure that his daughter passed her GED exam has been sentenced to six months in jail because his 18-year-old daugher and the mother of an 18-month-old child, has yet to pass the test.

Poll: Is the judge's sentence fair?

1) Yes. The father should have raised his daughter better.
2) No. He did everything he could.
3) Undecided.

See Also:
Girl Fails GED, Dad Sent to Jail

So many convictions have been overturned when DNA evidence later exonerated defendants one district attorney says prosecutors who intentionally withhold evidence from the defense should face criminal charges or other sanctions.

Poll: Should prosecutors who intentionally withhold evidence from the defense face criminal charges?

1) Yes. Withholding evidence undermines our judicial system.
2) Yes. They should get the same sentence as the defendant.
3) No. Too many guilty criminals get off on technicalities.
4) No. They should be disbarred.
5) It depends on the case.

See Also:
DA: Withholding Evidence Is a Crime

Deborah Jean Palfrey, also know as the D.C. Madam, was found dead in a shed by her mother's house in Florida. According to police, she committed suicide by hanging. Palfrey was facing sentencing on July 24, after being found guilty of running a prostitution service and convicted of money laundering, using the mail for illegal purposes and racketeering. Police say suicide letters were found, but would not disclose the content of the letters.

Poll: Was the government too aggressive in its prosecution of Palfrey?

1) Yes, after all, prostitution is a misdemeanor.
2) No, they were doing their jobs.
3) Yes, the investigation was politically motivated.
4) Undecided

See Also:
Federal Jury Convicts 'D.C. Madam'

Movie actor Wesley Snipes was sentenced to 36 months in prison for not paying his taxes. Some speaking on his behalf said Snipes was being targeted because he was famous, but other observers said the actor was targeted simply because he owes probably $38 million in back taxes.

Do you think the Wesley Snipes sentence was fair?

1) Yes. He owed millions in taxes and refused to pay.
2) No. He should have been found guilty of tax fraud too.
3) No, if he was not famous he would have gotten probation.
4) Undecided

See Also:
Sending a Message - Wesley Snipes Gets 3 Years

The U.S. Supreme Court that ruled in 1977 that states cannot execute someone for the rape of an adult will now decide if the death penalty for those convicted of child rape is constitutional.

Should jurors be allowed to vote for the death penalty for child rapists?

1) Yes, it will send a strong message to child rapists.
2) Yes, but it should apply to serial child rapists only.
3) No, it could put the victims in more danger of being murdered.
4) No, there have been too many false accusations.

See Also:
Court to Hear Death Penalty for Child Rape Case