## Step 2 - Reading

#### Justice for child rape

You are going to read a text about the punishment for child abuse.

- Read the text and do assignment 1.
- Read the text again and do assignment 2.

#### Assignment 1

On your own

- Read the text and write headings for the paragraphs.

In your group

- Discuss your headings.

Justice for child rape § 1. The country appears to be switched on to another amend-the-law mode following two dreadful cases of child rape and murder. Out of our raging fury comes all kinds of suggestions for punishments, ranging from lynch mobs to castration. However, it is difficult to determine whether the proposed adjustments would provide the most effective and practical deterrent against such inhuman acts. § 2. At present, the rape charge under the Penal Code carries a mandatory jail term of between five and twenty years as well as whipping. Murder is punishable with the mandatory death penalty. Logically, therefore it is unwise to amend the law to make rape equally subject to the ultimate punishment because that would make the rapist resort to killing his victim since he would think that he has nothing to lose. But then rapists, as psychologists say, act large on overpowering impulse, and when committing the act, do not stop to think about what punishment they might face. § 3. What is clear is that there must be a more deterrent law on rape, and if need be, a specific law on child rape. At present, 67% of rape victims are under 16 years of age. There are calls for stiffer punishments under the Penal Code which must reflect the severity of the crime. § 4. Stiffer punishment could take many forms. This includes shaming the perpetrators by flogging them in public as suggested by Rais but opposed by the Bar Council, which says that it will not make a difference. Not too long ago, the idea of castration was also brought up but has yet to be taken up by lawmakers. § 5. Perhaps there has to be a study as to what would deter a would-be rapist most from committing the act. If castration or the threat of it serves the purpose, then the law should be amended to provide for this. Other changes to the criminal justice system, such as police methods and parole procedures, must also be considered. The bottom line is to ensure the safety of our children and the security of our environment. Source: www.englishdaily626.com