2002 Ron Paul 16:1
Mr. PAUL. Mr. Chairman, as an OB–GYN
who has had the privilege of bringing over
3,000 children into the world, I share the desire
to punish severely those guilty of sexual
abuse of children. In fact, it is hard to imagine
someone more deserving of life in prison than
one who preys on children. However, I must
offer a cautionary note to the legislation before
us, which would establish a mandatory lifetime
sentence for anyone convicted of two child
sexual abuse crimes.
2002 Ron Paul 16:2
The bill before us today simply expands
Federal penalties for already existing Federal
crimes, and does not in any way infringe on
the jurisdiction of the States. However, Mr.
Chairman, I would ask my colleagues to consider
whether child sexual abuse should be a
Federal crime at all. The Constitution specifies
three Federal crimes, namely treason, piracy,
and counterfeiting. It is a stretch, to say the
least, to define child abuse as a form of treason,
piracy, or counterfeiting. Therefore, perhaps
the best means of dealing with child sexual
abuse occurring on Federal lands across
State lines is to turn the suspected perpetrator
over to the relevant local jurisdiction and allow
the local authorities to prosecute the crime.
2002 Ron Paul 16:3
As I stated before, it certainly is a legitimate
exercise of government power to impose a
lifetime sentence on those guilty of multiple
sex crimes against children. However, I would
ask my colleagues to consider the wisdom of
Congress’ increased reliance on mandatory
minimums. Over the past several years we
have seen a number of cases with people
sentenced to life, or other harsh sentences,
that appear to offend basic principles of justice.
Even judges in many of these cases
admit that the sentences imposed are in no
way just, but the judiciary’s hands are tied by
the statutorily imposed mandatory minimums.
2002 Ron Paul 16:4
In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, while I believe
this is a worthy piece of legislation, I hope
someday we will debate whether expanding
Federal crimes (along with the use of congressionally
mandated mandatory minimum sentences)
is consistent with constitutional government
and fundamental principles of justice.
