Tribpedia: Jessica's Laws

Tribpedia

Jessica's Laws, a series of measures to toughen penalties for sex assaults against children, were passed by the Texas Legislature in 2007.

Jessica's Laws are named after a nine-year-old Florida girl who in 2005 was raped and murdered by a convicted sex offender.

Under the laws, Texas became the sixth U.S. state to authorize capital punishment for ...

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Prosecutors, Defenders Spar Over Child Sex Crime Bill

State Rep. Debbie Riddle, R-Houston, speaks in favor of Amendment #5 to SB4 the congressional redistricting bill that would affect a small portion of north Harris County during debate on June 14, 2011. The amendment was eventually tabled.
Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich
State Rep. Debbie Riddle, R-Houston, speaks in favor of Amendment #5 to SB4 the congressional redistricting bill that would affect a small portion of north Harris County during debate on June 14, 2011. The amendment was eventually tabled.

A panel of House lawmakers heard prosecutors and defense attorneys debate a bill that would allow prosecutors in child sex crime cases to bring in evidence of prior offenses, including accusations by other children.

Sen. Joan Huffman joins moderator James Henson in a discussion of law and order issues in the upcoming 83rd legislative session during the Texas Tribune Festival, 2012.
Enlarge photo by: Bob Daemmrich
Sen. Joan Huffman joins moderator James Henson in a discussion of law and order issues in the upcoming 83rd legislative session during the Texas Tribune Festival, 2012.

Bill Aims to Increase Child Sex Assault Convictions

State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, a former prosecutor and judge, has filed a bill that would allow prosecutors to include accusations by other victims in child sexual assault cases. Defense attorneys worry it would lead to wrongful convictions.