Do you think that any statutes of limitations on prosecuting rape cases should be removed?

That is surprising – I thought that there was no statute on rape in effect in the US – you often hear of charges being brought twenty or thirty years later. Look at all the priests who have been charged. There are no limitations here (Australia).

Hmmmm, this is not so black and white. It’s hard to just say whether it should or should not in effect because too many situations vary.

@DarkScribe

My only source of “information” is crime drama TV shows.

Hopefully, I’m wrong for all 50 states.

Either way, good on Oz for not having any.

@Brian1946 My only source of “information” is crime drama TV shows.

I just Googled the issue. It varies from State to State but basically it seems that it doesn’t always apply if the victim was a child – explaining the priests, and if the complaint was made before the statute expires it continues even if the perpetrator can’t be identified at the time. It appears to be a limit on reporting the rape more than on prosecuting it.

@DarkScribe

Thank you for your research.

I think ours is six years (Ontario, Canada) and yes I believe it should be removed. Why should prosecuting be time sensitive? It’s not for other crimes. You commit a crime you should be held accountable if it gets into court no matter how long it’s been. A conviction is a conviction.

No.

The statistic for just how many rapes go unreported is staggering. It is such a traumatic thing, I can absolutely see why people take a long time to finally heal enough to come forward. There shouldn’t be a SOL. The guilt or innocence of the perpetrator should be decided in court.