Patrick Kennedy's Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Under no circumstances is a child rape as "morally depraved" as murder?

Really?

Perhaps Anthony Kennedy didn't read his own fucking decision.

L. H. [the 8-year-old rape victim] was transported to the Children’s Hospital. An expert in pediatric forensic medicine testified that L. H.’s injuries were the most severe he had seen from a sexual assault in his four years of practice. A laceration to the left wall of the vagina had separated her cervix from the back of her vagina, causing her rectum to protrude into the vaginal structure. Her entire perineum was torn from the posterior fourchette to the anus. The injuries required emergency surgery.

"Evolving standards."

Okay.

Thanks to CJ.

PS: Since it's their bag, I asked the Newbusters guys to report on how completely the network newscasts embargoed this decision.

I already know the answer -- "almost entirely" -- but I figured I'd check.

The nets are running the most absurd stories intended to inflame the public in a liberal/populist direction -- the foreclosure mess is now killing puppies and kittens, too! (and no, I'm not exaggerating) -- but of course are very, very cautious when reporting on stories that might inflame public passions the other way.

posted by Ace at 12:27 AM

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