Commentary on "Opinion or Law"

The blog post I decided to comment on, is “Opinion or Law” by America In-Formation. This blog post talks about the controversial media topic of People of the State of California v. Brock Turner. I was aware about the trial of Mr. Turner, but I never really realized or read more in depth about the rape California laws. Until I came across with my colleague’s post, I did some reading and realized the judge who sentenced Mr. Turner sentenced him based on the California law.

Brock Allen Tuner 

If you are not aware of this trial let me explain it in a brief summary. Brock Allen Turner, is a 19-year-old, student athlete who attended Stanford University. On January 18, 2015 an incident occurred with Mr. Turner and a 22- year old woman. The woman was unconscious and Mr. Turner abused the woman, two Swedish students caught him and apprehended him until the police came and took him in custody. Brock Turner was indicted to five charges which include: two for rape, two for felony sexual assault, and one for attempted rape. March 30, 2016 Mr. Turner’s conviction was on three remaining charges of sexual assault felonies. Those convictions usually have a sentence of 14 years in prison, but Judge Aaron Persky sentenced Brock Turner to 6 months in jail and 3 years of probation. He must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life and participate in rehab programs of sex offenders.

In my opinion, I agree with my colleague’s point of in the article. “While the fury and effort is understandable, California law has blurred lines on what constitutes rape, defining it as a” non-consensual act of sexual intercourse.” The law is not specific in addressing penetration and what is classified as sexual intercourse.  Simply put, under California law penetration with any type of foreign object including fingers is not classified into the category of “intercourse”, therefore it is not rape.” Based on the explanation with the law, we now know that Judge Persky gave Brock Turner the sentence based on the California law. I think everyone and including myself focused on the special treatment he got, ethnicity, and how the judge was being lenient based on his status. In reality, we need to focus on the laws of the state of California and implement laws that could specify the meaning of rape. Brock Allen Turner's actions were wrong and the system failed the victim,  the government system will continue to fail us if we don’t change it! Laws need to be created to protect future citizens with similar cases and for the victims to get the justice they deserve. How is it possible that the government is not able to change these laws?
 Why is the system so messed up? How are people expected to feel protected with cases like these? We need to stop focusing on the racial inequality and really look in depth to what the problem is. We must figure a way to change certain laws to protect the people and the government needs to step in to help the citizens'.