Why Is Brock Turner Still In The News?
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Politics and Activism

Why Is Brock Turner Still In The News?

It seemed like we were done hearing from Mr. Turner, until his recent appeal.

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Why Is Brock Turner Still In The News?
The Guardian

News broke a few days ago that launched Brock Turner back into the public eye. His team of lawyers will be trying to get an appeal for his verdict made over a year ago. If you do not remember "Rapist Brock Turner," in 2016 he was found guilty of sexually assaulting a college woman behind a dumpster, before two bikers found him. He was sentenced to only six months in jail, and ended up only serving three based on “good behavior.” Three months in jail for raping an unconscious person, when he could’ve served fourteen years.

People were outraged after hearing about Brock Turner’s story, and even more outraged with the announcement of the verdict. Turner’s father was also harshly criticized after the event, after making a statement that his son should not be punished or put in jail for “20 minutes of action.” Yes, if those twenty minutes were robbing the local grocery store, not he should not have his entire life and reputation ruined. But twenty minutes of sexually assaulting a woman who was passed out and could not give consent behind a dumpster, yes Mr. Turner, your son should not be allowed to live a normal life ever again.

So what reasons could he have to file an appeal? A 172-page brief was filed by Turner’s lawyer last week, saying Brock did not receive a fair trial. One reason is that a friend's testimony, who spoke of his honesty and his great swimming career, was excluded from the verdict. 60 of these 172 pages focuses heavily on how intoxicated the victim was the night of the assault. Another page argues the words, “raped her behind a dumpster,” should not have been used. This apparently “implies an intent on the appellant’s part to shield.” And that he acted with “moral depravity.” Because of course, having her behind a dumpster was the worst part of this story, not the rape he committed.

Over the past few weeks, the US has seen a lot of news revolving around sexual assault and sexual misconduct. We’re living in a new era where sex offenders are getting what they deserve and victims are finally getting closure. It almost feels silly that we are having to look back on a case that was so absolutely disgusting. He will almost without a doubt be denied his appeal, but the fact that I still have to see his name in the news makes me sick to my stomach. Maybe one day rapist Brock Turner will realize the horrendous crime he’s committed. Maybe in years following we can see a decrease in the number of sexual assaults against women and men.

If you would like to help support sexual assault victims, visit http://www.itsonus.org.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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