TALLAHASSEE — A new law that could lead to imposing the death penalty on
people who rape children under age 12 will take effect Sunday, along with other
laws passed during the 2023 legislative session.
During a May 1 bill-signing event in Brevard County, Gov. Ron DeSantis said
the measure is “for the protection of children.”
“Unfortunately, in our society, we have very heinous sex crimes that are
committed against children under the age of 12 years old,” DeSantis said.
“These are really the worst of the worst. The perpetrators of these crimes are
often serial offenders.”
Judges would have the discretion to impose the death penalty or sentence
defendants to life in prison. If fewer than eight jurors recommend death,
judges would have to impose life sentences.
https://www.tampabay.com/news/crime/...rape-desantis/