Results so far:
| Illegal | 28% | 128 votes | Total: 461 votes | |
| Helpful | 72% | 333 votes |
Not only is this sting operation iillegal, but it an outlandish disregard of the law.
Before I voice my humble opinion here, let me first clarify something for the record. I have had more personal experience with this subject than I care to admit. I was a victim of four individual, brutal rapes, perpetrated by four different people, in four different places, under four very different circumstances. I was also mollested at ages seven and ten, by two of my adoptive family members. This issue is both personal and intimate for me, in ways most people cannot grasp or understand.
The premise of catching a predator, before they make claim to their victim, is a home run, indeed. But in order to do so, legally, with evidenciary proof, is a whole different ballgame.
I have watched numerous Dateline Predator Specials and what I see happening is disturbing. I do agree, men beyond the age of 18, who pursue underage teens for sexual gratification, especially those 15 and under, in any form, are the clear and present danger signs of possible pedofiles. The problem with Dateline's Predator series is, entrapment.
Entrapment: http://www.lectlaw.com/def/e02 4.htm
_________________________ ______________________________ ______________________________ _
ENTRAPMENT - A person is 'entrapped' when he is induced or persuaded by law enforcement officers or their agents to commit a crime that he had no previous intent to commit; and the law as a matter of policy forbids conviction in such a case.
However, there is no entrapment where a person is ready and willing to break the law and the Government agents merely provide what appears to be a favorable opportunity for the person to commit the crime. For example, it is not entrapment for a Government agent to pretend to be someone else and to offer, either directly or through an informer or other decoy, to engage in an unlawful transaction with the person. So, a person would not be a victim of entrapment if the person was ready, willing and able to commit the crime charged in the indictment whenever opportunity was afforded, and that Government officers or their agents did no more than offer an opportunity.
On the other hand, if the evidence leaves a reasonable doubt whether the person had any intent to commit the crime except for inducement or persuasion on the part of some Government officer or agent, then the person is not guilty.
In slightly different words: Even though someone may have [sold drugs], as charged by the government, if it was the
Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:
by Codi Moltrup
The Internet can be a wonderful thing. One can work and do research, play games, catch up with old friends and meet new
by LaSal
If I were to understand the 'illegal entrapment' side of this debate, it would seem that the following facts were not in
Add your voice
Know something about Dateline's To Catch a Predator: Helpful service or illegal entrapment??
We want to hear your view.
Write now!
Featured Partner
Tigerlily Foundation has partnered with Helium, giving you the chance to write for a cause. Browse Tigerlily Fou...more
hide