Abstract
Sex crimes against children are uniquely heinous. Victims suffer extensive trauma that extends long into adulthood. But despite significant psychological data that indicates survivors of childhood sexual abuse cannot and do not report their victimization on a neat and predictable timeline, sixteen states still require them to do so. Criminal statutes of limitations on sex crimes against children protect predators, permitting them to run out the clock and move on to their next victim. This Note will argue that placing the burden on survivors of sexual abuse to report in time is not only psychologically unreasonable, but also harmful to society. State legislators must abolish their criminal statutes of limitations on sex crimes against children and permit adult survivors of childhood sexual assault to come forward.
Recommended Citation
Symone Shinton,
Pedophiles Don’t Retire: Why the Statute of Limitations on Sex Crimes Against Children Must Be Abolished,
92
Chi.-Kent L. Rev.
317
(2017).
Available at:
https://scholarship.kentlaw.iit.edu/cklawreview/vol92/iss1/12
