Re: Bad idea: Punishing false accusers

"Scott Gilbert" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> "Sir Jessy of Anti" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
> > "Jayne Kulikauskas" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
> > news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > >
> > > "RCB" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
> > > news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > > > > "Jayne Kulikauskas" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
> > > news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> > >
> > > > > > What if there were lesser penalties for false accusation when
> >  recanting but
> > > > > > severe penalties when the accusation is disproved by other
means?
> > >
> > > []
> > > > Its amazing to see how many people are saying jaynes idea is a good
> > > > one. Its not a good idea at all. Justice is not about a bargain or
> > > > comprimise, its about finding the truth and punishing according to
the
> > > > law and crime.
> >
> > If the police find evidence that the accuser is telling a lie, then the
> > accuser could receive a harsher
> > punishment then if she recanted on her own, for example, years after the
> > fact.  The reason I think this is a workable idea, is
> > because otherwise an accused or convicted person could languish in jail
for
> > years, because the accuser has less incentive to recant.  OTOH they
could
> > have *more* incentive if they are worried about being caught up in a
lie,
> > though that could diminish as every year passes.
>
> Let's not forget about statutes of limitation...

Good point Scott, thanks.

>
> >
> > I guess it depends on which way you view the situation.
> >
> >
> > >
> > > Plea bargaining is common for all kinds of crimes.  It is often hard
to
> > > prove guilt, so justice may be better served by a lesser punishment if
it
> > > ensures a conviction.  It is better than have a criminal get away with
it
> > > completely.
> >
> > Exactly.  And this is why a registry of proven, malicious accusers would
> > actually
> > be a good tool for law enforcement to use when investigating rape
> > allegations IMO.
> > I'm not saying a person who's name is on that list couldn't ever be
raped
> > (obviously), I'm
> > just saying it would force the police to do more thorough investigation
when
> > dealing with
> > these allegations.  There was a case a while back of a serial rape
accuser,
> > who would blackmail
> > men into giving her money.  The police only found out by accident at a
> > meeting in another state where
> > it was found similar accusations against her had been made.  A registry
> > would at least eliminate shit like
> > this from happening.