I am writing in response to Peter Smith’s article concerning Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for the prosecution for child sex abuse (Nov. 19, “A Tale of Two States on Clergy Abuse Prosecutions”). I agree that Pennsylvania should adopt Kentucky’s approach by eliminating the statute of limitations for child sex abuse altogether.
A statute of limitations for child sex abuse seems unjust when we consider the particular cruelty of the crime. Statutes of limitation are often linked to when the harm of a particular offense occurs. It is hard to imagine that the harm suffered by victims of child sex abuse ever truly stops.
Detractors of this approach, like the defense attorney quoted in the article, suggest that it is difficult for people to defend themselves against allegations dating back 40 and 50 years. But that argument cuts both ways; it is also difficult for the state to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the guilt of the accused after so long a time.
Lost in this discussion is the solidarity we as a society should show with victims of child sex abuse. One of the bedrock principles of our criminal justice system is that victims of crimes have the power of the state on their side. We betray this principle when we allow perpetrators of child sexual abuse to run out the clock on criminal prosecution.
MICHAEL McCUNE
Shadyside
First Published: November 21, 2018, 5:00 a.m.
