TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Jun 18, 2024

A new Tennessee law, which goes into effect July 1, authorizes the state to pursue capital punishment when an adult is convicted of aggravated rape of a child, reports WREG. Gov. Bill Lee signed the law in May without issuing a statement. Lee told reporters Tuesday that he did not sign the bill hoping it would be “tested” in court. Instead, he said crimes against children are “some of the most heinous that there are.” Opponents worry that the law may keep child rape victims from speaking out knowing their testimony could potentially result in an execution, especially since many children are abused by family members and close friends.