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7 y/o charged with rape

Pauls' Revere

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Nov 15, 2007
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https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/7-old-boy-facing-rape-192409390.html

A 7-year-old boy from upstate New York is facing charges of rape.

WWNY reports that police arrested and charged the child with third-degree rape for an incident on Thanksgiving. He was subsequently released and will stand trial in family court. The boy is from Brasher Falls, New York, which is near the Canadian border.

The family’s attorney, Anthony Martone, told the news station, “Instinctually, it shouldn’t happen to a 7-year-old. I don’t think you could even realize what you’re doing at 7 years old, so I think it’s absurd to charge a 7-year-old with rape.” He continued, “They’d have to prove he actually physically committed this act, which to me, it almost seems to be an impossibility.”

Martone reportedly said it seems that the boy is being charged as a juvenile delinquent. Currently, there is a bill pending in the New York legislature that would raise the minimum age for being charged as a juvenile delinquent from 7 years old to 12.

The outlet reports that advocates are pushing for reform following this particular incident with the boy. Many details about the incident aren’t known at this time.

State Senator Patty Ritchie’s office told WWNY that the bill is being reviewed. The bill proposes using social services instead of charging children as juvenile delinquents and having them appear in family court.
 
If a kid at 7 cannot give consent due to their age, how does the same 7 year old possess the “guilty mind” or intent to commit the crime. It’s a child. He doesn’t know what he’s doing.
 
You know on the surface it sounds silly and impossible. But thinking out loud I remember being 7 and understanding sexuality. Playing doctor with my neighbor, same age. touching each other, The old “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours”. Difference being consensual between me and her.
Now take that same game and her (or him) not agreeing to the game. And further touching her or violating her in some way. Not necessarily penile penetration. Now that may not be rape because of the age but it certainly can constitute sexual assault.
Mor details are needed which may never come out to the public.
I’ll reserve judgement...
 
You know on the surface it sounds silly and impossible. But thinking out loud I remember being 7 and understanding sexuality. Playing doctor with my neighbor, same age. touching each other, The old “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours”. Difference being consensual between me and her.
Now take that same game and her (or him) not agreeing to the game. And further touching her or violating her in some way. Not necessarily penile penetration. Now that may not be rape because of the age but it certainly can constitute sexual assault.
Mor details are needed which may never come out to the public.
I’ll reserve judgement...

I don't doubt he did something wrong, but I'm not sure the criminal justice system is meant for 7 year olds.

Also, this happened at Thanksgiving? Was this his cousin or something??
 
When I was 7 we didn't have to worry about a "verbal yes" or "consent contracts" before hooking up with a chick. Easier times
 
Why the parents couldn't handle this is another question. Oh wait, today's parents let The State do the parenting.
 
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