[user104658]

Originally Posted by Redway

Rape’s rape no matter what. Don’t matter the circumstances.

I wouldn’t be looking for ways to get people lighter sentences for commiting the sickest crime there is when they’re all guilty of the exact same thing.

Mental anguish is subjective. How should that be a factor in deciding what sort of prison sentence rapists get?

But conviction rates are abysmal, the sentence for most rapists is "nothing at all because they walk out of court free".

What if lightening sentences resulted in a significantly higher conviction rate? Is it better for fewer rapists to receive harsh sentences and the majority to get away with it, or for more rapists to receive a lighter custodial sentence than before but at least be convicted (and thus, added to the sex offenders register)?

That's the crux of the discussion really but you're overlooking pragmatism in favour of outrage.

[bots]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

But conviction rates are abysmal, the sentence for most rapists is "nothing at all because they walk out of court free".

What if lightening sentences resulted in a significantly higher conviction rate? Is it better for fewer rapists to receive harsh sentences and the majority to get away with it, or for more rapists to receive a lighter custodial sentence than before but at least be convicted (and thus, added to the sex offenders register)?

That's the crux of the discussion really but you're overlooking pragmatism in favour of outrage.

But the government and prison authorities are trying to free up spaces by releasing those with lighter custodial sentences, so I'm afraid that tactic doesn't have a future. We need to change in line with technology. People can live in the community now, but be completely restricted in what they do. We are talking here about criminals that would usually avoid prosecution, so tag em, track em and get them on the sex offenders register ... at least then they are registered as guilty.