Rep James Fagan (D-Taunton) On Jessica's Law

Rep. James Fagan, a Taunton criminal defense attorney, recently argued on the House floor against Jessica's Law, a measure that would set mandatory minimum sentences for child rapists.

"Let me tell you why it's so wrong," said Fagan (D-Taunton). "It's so wrong because in these situations . . . that 6-year-old is going to sit in front of me, or somebody far worse than me and I'm going to rip them apart. I'm going to make sure that the rest of their life is ruined. That when they're 8 years old they throw up; when they're 12 years old, they won't sleep. When they're 19 years old they'll have nightmares and they'll never have a relationship with anybody. And that's not because I'm a nice guy. That's because when you're in court, and you're defending somebody's liberty, and you're facing a mandatory sentence of those draconian proportions, you have to do every single thing you can do on behalf of your client. That is your obligation as a trial lawyer."

Boston Herald, 6/22

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• James
• Fagan
• Jessicas
• Law
• Eugene
• O'Flaherty

[krelllabs]

Bye bye, dirtball.

[Y2Bogus]

For anyone wondering, James Fagan just got got beat in his re-election bid by a first time candidate. Sometimes Justice does get served.

[JypsieX]

cont...

The lawyer doing this to the child, cares not about the child nor his client, he cares about winning and getting the big bucks. Then the offender goes free to rape another child...maybe that lawyer's child!! Then how would that lawyer feel about it?

[JypsieX]

cont... I just think there should be a law against lawyers browbeating a child in rape/molestation cases like they do adults. The child is already traumatized for what was done to them, then along comes a lawyer who will make her (or him in some cases) feel like it's their fault.  That is just so wrong...so wrong.

[JypsieX]

I believe Fagan is letting us know the facts about what it would be like for a "child" to take the stand. A lawyer will rip the poor kid apart and the result could render the child a normal life. However, I do believe in Jessica's Law...

[haditha27]

Cont... I hear that they stone people just based of mere accusations. I'm sure thats the way u ignorant hillbillies like it.

[haditha27]

Cont... He feel's (like many other lawyers feel) that continuous punishment after their client has served the max is unconstitutional, even if they we're found guilty proof beyond a reasonable doubt (plsease see article 1 of the us constitution). All u crybabies saying that the victim shouldn't have to testify and blah blah blah, thats how our system works, its proof beyond a reasonable doubt, so everyone must be interviewed. U don't like it, go move to some 3rd world shit hole.

[haditha27]

cont.... It's his job as a LAWYER, to protect his CLIENT (like every other lawyer's job) from such heinous charges being brought against him/her. If ur ass was on the line (being falsely accused), you'd want ur lawyer to do the same so how bout u all SHUT THE FUCK UP, and stop criticizing him for stating what his primary duty is and how he feels about jessica's law (which applies to all offenders, not just repeat offenders like some of u morons assume).

[haditha27]

For those of u criticizing James Fagan because of the words he chose, I encourage u to go to a courtroom and watch what happens to someone falsely being branded a rapist (because i've personally seen it happen). The only evidence needed to bring charges on someone of rape is to point the finger and say he/she did it, nothing more, nothing less. I believe all u youtubers criticizing him and making these stupid ignorant comments are not understanding what he's trying to convey.

[GgigglesShorty]

What a sick baster! People like this should not even be in power!