The Pros And Cons Of Rape Cases

Despite the laws that have been established to deal with rape cases, the evident injustices still lurk within our system. Any form of sexual assault is a serious case for the reason that it is a clear human rights violation. When it comes to the topic of rape, most of us will readily agree that it is a sensitive subject. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of the validity of the court decision on such cases. Whereas some are convinced that sentences for rape are inconsistent with the law, others maintain that the court decisions are always reasonable. A recent issue regarding a Stanford athlete who received a considerably light sentence despite the crime he committed by sexually assaulting an unconscious woman created

A report claims that prosecutors are more likely to file charges against men and those who are unemployed (Spohn 3). To think of all the reasons why people might actually do this is disturbing. An unemployed person clearly would not be able to defend the charges filed against him. Falsely accusing someone, especially a man who does not have the financial means to secure a fair fight against the complainant is savage. A compelling example of this situation is Jarrett Adams’ wrongful conviction in 1999 when he was accused of raping a white woman. According to Adams, who is now a lawyer, he didn’t have the ability to defend himself when he got convicted (Maki, “The Rape that Wasn’t”). Having money and having a good reputation saves someone from suffering a heavy sentence. It appears to me as if the justice system is just a hoax; it is present because according to social norms, it is essential. However, in my perspective, it fails on so many aspects. Considering this case, I cannot ignore the apparent effects of Turner’s privileges on Judge Persky’s decision. Turner was once a “champion swimmer at one of America’s most prestigious universities.” According to Persky, “A prison sentence would have a severe impact on him. I think he will not be a danger to others.” While it is true that Turner will no longer be a danger to others for the reason that he has learned his lesson,

I believe it is also important to talk about the other person involved in the case— the victim. My whole life I have heard people say different statements about the victim when they see a news report about a rape case. Assertions like “she was asking for it,” “what was she wearing?” and even “she deserves it,” are the most common statements I have encountered. This kind of statements, as mentioned in a dissertation regarding sexual assault on college campuses, targets the victim and blames her if ever she gets raped. According to the author, these statements “tend to minimize the impact and justify the reality of sexual assault, placing the blame for an assault on a victim” (Quigley 19). I consider this as a subset of the misogynistic society, which is also a product of a general macho society that we have had for centuries. The society teaches us that it is okay for men to go around talking about their sexual encounters and objectify women, but it is a taboo if a woman cries “Rape!” The society gives us double standards to everything. Our society has shaped us to unconsciously promote rape culture. Rape is the victim’s fault. Rape happens when a woman shows too much of her skin. Rape occurs when you stay out late at night or even during the day in a suspiciously dark corner of a street. “Do not drink too much in the party, you might get sexually assaulted,” a reminder that every woman might have heard