Statutes of limitations


I can totally understand why statutes of limitations exist and they're not a terrible thing to be used when it comes to non-violent crimes but, why is there one for rape? I can't believe that in some states the statute of limitation is only 5 years. I was looking up the whole idea of why it exists and one of the reasons is because over time witness' memories may fade, and evidence may be lost. That makes no sense. Wouldn't the witnesses and the victims have all of their story documented by the police, and can't those statements be used in court later on? Also, evidence related to almost every crime is saved and locked away and prosecutors could just use that. I understand that since most of Bill Cosby's rape victims didn't go to the police right after is happened and probably never had a rape kit done but, shouldn't there be an exception based on how many victims there are. I mean, if a guy rapes one woman, he should still be brought to court for it no matter how long ago it was but, with Bill, he has 50 women accusing him of the same crime. It's just so sick and twisted that a guy could be such a prolific and downright evil predator and never be arrested for it, and be given a trial where he would absolutely be found guilty for his crimes and sentenced to a huge amount of time in prison. I just can't believe that police and the whole world at this point could be fully aware of what this guy is done and he's just living his life normally as if nothing even happened. Of course, his reputation is destroyed as well as his legacy but, who cares. He belongs in jail. I think we would all choose being hated by a lot of people over spending time in prison.

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I agree with you about the limitations. I'm a victim of rape myself and it took me 10yrs to get the courage to come forward. Mine was stalking and rape that went on for months when I was 17. I met a pedo online. When I went to the police I was told it was too late. But they took my report. Other girls reported the same thing but also too late. I was told if anyone ever came forward and they could charge him then I could speak at sentencing. It's been 14yrs since I reported and no call.

I agree that with rape there need to been more lean in the limitations to report. It takes courage to come forward. I have no doubt the man who hurt me has still been hurting others.

I won't get into what I think about Bill Cosby and if I believe what he did. I do believe these women feel hurt in some way.

I only shared for those who wonder why it takes so long to come forward. I felt a drive in me to step forward and my therapist said I had finally come to a point of my life where I felt safe mentally.

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Because you need evidence to prosecute and after 5 years, actually a lot sooner, there is no evidence to be gathered other than he said, she said.

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There's no real proof, they should have said something sooner.

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I know this has been a few years but...are you sure about that? I thought there wasn't one, for rape, nor for murder. Now, there may be limitations for lesser offenses (say, sexual assault), but I don think there's one for rape.

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Not for murder, but yes for rape. It's been changed now in some states as a result of this case.

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Ah, ok. Thanks for responding!

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