Bill would remove statute of limitations in Oregon for sex crimes against minors

[The Straight Story]

Bill would remove statute of limitations in Oregon for sex crimes against minors

Part of the public fury that grew over former Gov. Neil Goldschmidt's admission that he sexually abused an underage girl was that he could not be prosecuted for the crime -- the statute of limitations had expired long ago.

Now Oregon lawmakers are considering a change that would eliminate the time limit on when someone accused of abuse or assault of a minor could be prosecuted.

"I just think there is no rationale that we deny children the ability to seek justice later on in life," says Rep. Dave Hunt, D-Gladstone, who is pushing the proposed change in the law.

The proposal, contained in House Bill 3057, gets its first public hearing Monday and will likely generate a fight pitting prosecutors against defense attorneys. Some district attorneys say young sexual assault victims need extra protection. Defense lawyers say the change would make it far more difficult for people to make the case that they've been wrongly accused.

http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/03/bill_would_remove_statute_of_l.html

[sakabatou]

1. Good.

[wellst0nev0ter]

2. Catholic Diocese Backlash Against The Bill In 3... 2... 1... (n/t)