Former recruit's 10-year prison sentence voided
Outrageous Injustice
I'm not sure if this law is still on the books, but Alabama considered it a crime for an interracial couple to live together. This was still a crime in 1996. Read on and you'll see another example.
You've probably heard of this story now, but it was something I read about when I found the second article I've listed. Genarlow Wilson, a standout football player who was being courted by schools such as Columbia and Brown, had his world turned upside down when he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for violating an archaic law someone in Georgia hadn't bothered to change. Wilson, 17 at the time of the crime, was convicted for breaking a law that considers sexual intercourse between teenagers less than three years apart a misdemeanor, but a felony for the same kids to have oral sex. The oral sex part is what would ruin this kid's life even though everyone, including the 15-year-old girl and prosecution, knew the act was consensual and initiated by the girl. Instead of going to college Wilson was sentenced to 10 years in prison and would be classified as a sex offender upon release.
Thankfully a judge understood the stupidity of such a sentence and deemed that with time already served Genarlow Wilson was free to go. Unfortunately, the state attorney general has decided to appeal the decision, which means Genarlow Wilson will not be released until a decision on the appeal is made. I understand the attorney general doesn't want a precedent to be set here, but use a little common sense, man! Is this the kind of reputation you want to have? The law is left up for interpretation and there are times when people have been punished enough. Genarlow Wilson has paid a big price already and there's no reason why the legal system should continue to take a toll.
On a side note, I wonder where Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton were during this thing. Was it not controversial enough for them? Were they pissed a white guy like Jimmy Carter got there first? Or do they still keep their mouths shut because the attorney general is also black? I thought these guys were all about justice being served and helping those wronged. Like I've said, if it's not in their best interests for self-promotion they're not getting close. Or maybe the family of Genarlow Wilson knew what a bunch of publicity hogs these guys were and told them to stay away.
Thankfully the law that sent Genarlow Wilson to prison was reversed, but it leaves one to wonder what other archaic laws are out there someone will be prosecuted for.
No comments:
Post a Comment