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Puzzling penalties

Sun., Jan. 3, 2010

The Spokesman-Review

In the Dec. 30 paper I noticed an administration of justice that puzzles me. In Spokane, a man “faces about 18 years in prison” for beating his wife to death. Meanwhile, in Idaho, a woman (teacher) is sentenced to 20 years in prison for having sex with one of her students.

I don’t understand how having sex with a minor is worse than beating a person to death. Is this merely a difference in state law or does this possibly reflect our culture’s tolerance of violence while condemning sexual impropriety? The sentences seem disproportionate to the crimes.

James Anderson Murphy

Spokane

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