Several US states seek death penalty for child rape, challenging Supreme Court ruling

Several US states are pushing for the death penalty for child rape, despite a Supreme Court ruling against it. Alabama recently passed a law allowing capital punishment for the rape or sexual torture of children under 12. Five other states have enacted similar laws in the past three years, with more considering them. The Supreme Court previously deemed such penalties disproportionate and a violation of the Eighth Amendment. Proponents aim to create test cases to challenge the Supreme Court's 2008 decision. Critics argue these laws could endanger children by discouraging reporting or leading to victim murder.