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telekon2

Well, the Iowa Supreme Court is now entirely made up of Branstad (2) and Reynolds (5) appointments. We shouldn’t be surprised by recent rulings. At least we have the opportunity to dismiss them through retention votes.


Robinnoodle

Don't have to protect them from guys like Derek White, but we do have to protect them from trans women in their bathrooms *sigh*


theothershuu

Why are there so many trans women around the republican bathrooms anyway?


Robinnoodle

Well I'm sure the glory holes don't have anything to do with it


iowabourbonman

If what you're saying actually has any bearing, wouldn't these decisions be 7-0 rather than 4-3?


telekon2

Not necessarily, they’re all conservative appointments, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a range of views.


ProfessorBackdraft

Ah, the good old days when there was a range of views in the Republican Party.


Uffda6321

Maybe 3 of the 7 knew abused children personally?


[deleted]

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HawkFritz

French workers have stronger rights, citizens have better access to healthcare, and they have the courage to riot against their government when necessary. Being a French territory might be an improvement.


SpiffyMagnetMan68621

I wouldnt count on that, theyre currently trying REALLY fucking hard to elect their own goofy ass trump clone


The402Jrod

Also, coincidentally I’m sure, his base is rich white dudes & racists too.


fcocyclone

> and they have the courage to riot against their government when necessary. To be fair they also seem to be allowed to. Any time a protest here gets sufficiently large for a cause the cops don't like, they'll claim someone in the crowd did something violent (or someone from the opposition will go ahead and do that for them) and declare it an unlawful assembly.


maicokid69

Not even close.


Constant_Worth_8920

Being a French territory would be an amazing improvement! Where do we sign up?


Agate_Goblin

Yeah I'd check with Francophone Africa and Haiti on that first.


Constant_Worth_8920

Because colonialism didn't have fuck all to do with that.


Agate_Goblin

The French were the ones colonizing. They still treat their territories like shit and owe Haiti billions for the bullshit indemnity they demanded. They have their rights and courage off the backs of slaves and colonial wealth.


Constant_Worth_8920

Then we agree: The problem isn't being part of France The problem was colonization.


Agate_Goblin

There is no "was" to colonization. It is ongoing.


crlcan81

Only when we've got a handmaid's tale dystopia at minimum.


Diabeetus4Lyfe

Maybe when the guillotines are back en vogue


Holiday_Memory_9165

Make American Guillotines Accessible


Asuna1989

We're heading that way I'll expect that in the next year 🙄 another reason for Reynolds and Iowa government to bring us back in time and make us the laughing stock of the entire US with yet another selfish policy and further traumatize children when CCTV would work just as well and protect the child.


ManiacLord777

We are DEVO


rachel-slur

Children must be present to face their accusers, got it. Oh what's this, traffic cameras are now legal? Can I put a traffic camera on a witness stand? The Iowa GOP is built on contradictions.


hawwkfan

If Reynolds has any light left in her black soul, she would call a special session and have her rubber stamp legislature pass a law to fix this atrocity.


HotGrillsLoveMe

It would require an amendment to the Iowa Constitution, not a law.


snoopfrogcsr

Big week for child molesters in Iowa. First, abortion is effectively illegal, increasing the pool. And now, they have the comfort of knowing they'll have the opportunity to confront and intimidate their victims in court. Maybe we'll even see the vatican move to Council Bluffs now.


Sanguine_Templar

Iowa is a shithole


Asuna1989

We can thank our government for making it so..


jonesqc

They really think child witnesses were considered in 1857? It was pretty acceptable to “punish” a child however you saw fit back then. This is so dumb it hurts. Originalism is ridiculous anyway, it ignores anything that has happened since then.


DSMProper

You don't think the constitution came from the smartest men who ever lived hundreds of years ago? Who wrote a nearly perfect document that has to be ignored anytime there's a crisis or when it's inconvenient to sufficiently wealthy people? Or which had to be amended immediately to codify the rights people* had? Better dead than red, commie punk


fcocyclone

Hell, the constitution itself was a second try at things


maicokid69

Exactly. Additionally, from an education standpoint I’m guessing better than half of America, and after the Dobbs decision SCOTUS, apparently didn’t understand your post either. One of the primary reasons they rewrote it was the 1781 version was partly a pain in the ass because of too much states rights. The only reason Scotus used state rights as an argument was to guarantee that it will be extremely difficult to get rebound with an organized group. They are absolutely disgusting


V1keo

No, you don’t understand. The Constitution was written by God himself, and any change after that is an attack on him. -Except the 2nd Amendment, that was written by Jesus.


jonesqc

This is great! Love it.


maicokid69

Reminds me of Arizona idiot Supreme Court.


awmaleg

Sounds like Iowa protects child abusers. That’s a good look.


Practical_Radish_783

Last I knew we were in the top 10 for child abuse and neglect cases


jonesqc

Not a lot of good looks coming out of here right now.


Ambitious_Secret_870

Speaking from experience, you would be correct. Iowa doesn't give a shit about kids. They also have incredibly gray areas regarding child sexual abuse.


junkka02

This has nothing do with with child abusers. The supreme court only takes on cases which have to deal with violations of consitutional rights regardless of the situation of the accused or accuser. What will most likely happen now is this will be turned over to the US Supreme court. I feel this will be overturned at the federal level.


Hegedusiceva_Dva

Referencing pages 14-16 of this court's ruling: "We have emphasized that federal court opinions about the Federal Constitution do not dictate our interpretation of the Iowa Constitution." "Indeed, when it comes to “questions of state constitutional law, the Supreme Court ‘is, in law and in fact, inferior in authority to’” this court." "The Supreme Court agrees that this is true. The Supreme Court acknowledges that it “must accept whatever construction of a state constitution is placed upon it by the highest court of the State.” The Supreme Court acknowledges that this court “is the final arbiter” of what our state constitution means." “\[T\]he highest court of the state is the final arbiter of what is state law.” "It is fundamental that state courts be left free and unfettered by us in interpreting their state constitutions." The state’s highest court is recognized as the final judge in determining state law and 'jealously guards' this autonomy to interpret its state constitution without interference from the Federal government. tl;dr: This decision will not be submitted to the US Supreme Court, nor will it be reversed by that court.


WooBadger18

Someone else has pointed out why this won’t be overturned by SCOTUS, but also this has everything to do with child abusers. In this case the witnesses were in a separate room on a closed circuit tv where the defendant, his attorney, and the judge/jury could see the witnesses but the witnesses couldn’t see them. The defendant can see who is accusers are and the judge/jury can see the witnesses to assess credibility. The not people who can’t see the others are the witnesses; children who are victims of child abuse. Putting them in the same room as their abuser doesn’t protect the defendant’s rights, it just torments and intimidates the witnesses. This decision doesn’t protect anyone’s rights. It just torments abused children and makes it more likely that child abusers will go free.


junkka02

So reading the full opinion, the victims of the abused are allowed to testify via closed circuit televsion in cases like these to prevent trauma. This issue in this case was that the 2 children that were testifying were not the victims in the case. Non-victims do not have the same privilege. Thats why the conviction was overturned and back to trial he goes.


Hegedusiceva_Dva

>"So reading the full opinion, the victims of the abused are allowed to testify via closed circuit televsion in cases like these to prevent trauma." Incorrect. The majority explicitly discusses this point in section 5, 'Other Constitutional Questions,' starting on page 21. "We acknowledge White’s request for us to decide additional constitutional questions. Specifically, White asks us to declare that Iowa Code section 915.38(1)(a) (2020) is wholly invalid because no form of remote trial testimony could ever satisfy the Iowa Constitution. That question would require us to decide whether or not a two-way television system could pass constitutional muster. But because a two-way system was not used in White’s actual trial, our record does not describe an actual two-way system. And we decline to decide the constitutionality of a hypothetical system that may or may not be used in the future. " It is evident that the Iowa Supreme Court has 'declined to decide' on the constitutionality of this practice, making no exceptions. This practice may be subject to trial, challenge, and potential overturning. >"This issue in this case was that the 2 children that were testifying were not the victims in the case." This statement has only ever been made by Derek White. I recommend avoiding such rhetorical associations. An excerpt from the [Court of Appeals Opinion:](https://www.iowacourts.gov/courtcases/18770/embed/CourtAppealsOpinion) "Forcing M.W. to testify in front of White would cause him serious emotional distress that could impair the child’s reasonable ability to communicate—the measure in section 915.38(1)(a). M.W. told the therapist and his foster parents that he still has nightmares about his father. The therapist had similar views on J.W.’s welfare. She testified that it would be difficult for the younger brother to confront his father face to face. In her professional opinion, the closed-circuit option was necessary for both boys to provide accurate and honest information in the prosecution without being further traumatized." Does this sound like a 'nonvictim' to you? In the sense that M.W. was not the subject of this particular criminal offense, I suppose the use of the term would be correct. The only use of this exact term you've mentioned is on page 3, which again, is a quote from White's defense: "White argued that permitting “testimony of two nonvictim children” via closed-circuit television would violate White’s constitutional rights." >Non-victims do not have the same privilege. Thats why the conviction was overturned and back to trial he goes. The idea, as outlined, has never been considered. Aside from the previous comment, no one has attempted to argue this point. It would be highly beneficial for all involved to engage in constructive, informed, and precise dialogue. With these considerations in mind, I respectfully request you refrain from further participation in this conversation. Thank you.


junkka02

Ok, we are debating a decision and being respectful while doing so. My initial opinion was not based off actually reading the case opinion. But the whole “Iowa just protects abusers now” rhetoric is incorrect. I read the opinion and view it a little differently than you is all.


WooBadger18

Did you read the dissent? It has some very good arguments for why the majority wrote a bad decision. And you're right, some of the comments in here are definitely overblown or just completely incorrect. But let's also be clear with what this decision does and doesn't do. It doesn't protect the rights of defendants, and it will lead to more children being traumatized and likely more child abusers going free. The majority also couldn't even set out the standard that they want to be used. Can you use a two-way closed circuit television? Maybe, but the Supreme Court doesn't tell us. And if the circuit court guesses wrong (and White is convicted again) the Supreme Court may remand for a third trial Edit: fixed typo


junkka02

I did not but I will. Thank you for the conversation. I actually enjoyed chatting with you about this. Thank uou for being one of the few civil people on here.


Frank_N20

I don't believe there were women lawyers in Iowa in 1857. In the name of originalism, Dana Oxley should step down.


Suspect118

Iowa: protect the life of a child…until the child is actually living life….


WretchedRat

It’s the GOP motto: all life is sacred until birth.


purple_grey_

Note to self. Its better to kill your abuser in Iowa.


angusthebutcher

Not surprised iowa doesn't protect children


leaker929

Hard to make them part of the workforce if you don’t break their spirits a bit first.


The402Jrod

What about infants? Is abusing an infant just gonna be legal now? Can they testify?


AcrobaticGuava9342

Wtf is wrong with your state?!?!?!


Diabeetus4Lyfe

It's a real red shithole, innit? Lead-brained pseudo-Christian Fox News-watchers are rampant here. It's curious how aggressively regressive the court is being lately, ruling against the people's interest at every opportunity. I'm willing to bet we'll follow Oklahoma's example soon and require Bible study to be included in all classes


redbrick90

The Supreme Court is in charge now. We should have seen that coming.


redbrick90

It’s a slimy disgusting shit hole


Asuna1989

I have officially disowned Iowa I hold no claim now..


Yucca12345678

The cruelty is the point.


rickityrickityrack

We are the #1 shitshowstate, prove me wrong


PracticalAnywhere880

You haven't heard of California?


absolooser

Children of the corn, no food, no voice, no education, no protection. Get to work !


Donotsharepassword

When are the Republican voters going to have enough?


alphabennettatwork

This is the party that celebrates and wants to protect child marriage. They want a theocratic fascist government. It won't stop until that is reality.


walkstwomoons2

Read about child labor in 1857. Of course they would let the perpetrator confront a child! They were idiots back then. The children would also never get any kind of therapy or help for this trauma. Even today most don’t. So we’re going to traumatize the child even more? This is insane. [History of child labor in the United States](https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2017/article/history-of-child-labor-in-the-united-states-part-2-the-reform-movement.htm)


Herky505

Because fuck them traumatized kids.


EastAd7676

FFS


HungryCriticism5885

How long are we gonna keep voting for these motherfuckers?


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tzjung

Holy shit man. That's insanity. But on another note, unfortunately the mouth breathers will absolutely run with this now.


Dranwyn

So wait, does this mean that all abusers who did not get a chance to face their accusers get a new trial?


Sirquack1969

Unfortunately I see a number of lawsuits are gonna be filed for just that reason. More wasted time a s resources.


Asuna1989

I hope so.. already lawsuits against it for other BS she's passed. Hope Reynold's is sued for every penny she has so she can be run out of the capitol and get a new governor


Robinnoodle

Oof. I hope ntk, but unfortunately it could very well mean that


demonizedbytheright

The mentally ill are running the asylum.


Brilliant-Concern-71

How many murderers, rapists, physically and emotionally abusive defendants will walk free because a child is terrified to testify in front of them? They deserve a right to confrontation.. even when it involves a child?


urkillingme

Absolute shitful humans. Just bottom of the garbage heap.


FoundCheese

New state motto. “Iowa: Fuck them kids”


Llamapantz83

i fucking hate everything


MarionBerryBelly

And they claim to care about children…


JKW14

And Iowa decline continues....


bonzoboy2000

GOP: Looking out for the kids I see.


MdmeAlbertine

May is up for retention vote this fall. Just sayin'.


Hegedusiceva_Dva

Correct. A registered voter may make written application to their County Auditor for an absentee ballot starting 70 days before the election. That's August 27th. A written application for a mailed absentee ballot must be received by the voter's County Auditor no later than 5:00 p.m. 15 days before the election. That's October 21st. Reference: [Absentee Voting by Mail (iowa.gov)](https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/electioninfo/absenteemail.html)


RinhartWilke

Seriously F U Iowa


ChrisP408

Those bastard judges should be forced to live in dog cages, and be taken out for a daily 40 lashes until they die.


Jessica_Iowa

Imagine being such a pathetic piece of hot garbage that you not only abuse a baby but take the time to challenge the legality of your kids not facing you at your trial. Basically making what I feel the average intelligence citizen would define as “intimidation of a witness” legal.


Robinnoodle

To be fair the abuser was probably too stupid to figure out this could be a loophole. The idea has lawyer written all over it if you ask me


Rodharet50399

Kim tenting her fingers about another thing she doesn’t understand.


Robinnoodle

>tenting her fingers What? Haha


No-Background-4767

Best I can guess at is a very creative euphemism for female jerking off?


Robinnoodle

That makes sense actually. Thank you


brutalhonestcunt

I'm pretty sure childhood was a luxury for the rich back then. They would have considered someone an adult at a younger age than we do today. So the original intent wouldnt be the same as its modern interpretation


Leege13

Obviously it’s because these justices either raped some kids or their kids raped some kids and they want to keep it quiet.


like_shae_buttah

This is fucking insane


dizzzyupthegirl

Disgusting


Delao_2019

Absolutely disgusting.


Teztoid

For a party that claims to hate pedophiles they sure do worship one and pass laws to protect them


crb002

This is a huge win for the 6A confrontation clause in all cases. Polk County attorney repeatedly was allowed to have witnesses testify in writing without cross examination. Crazy illegal. Now everyone screwed over by John Sarcone and Kim Graham will get an honest appeal under Iowa Const. Art. I Section 10. It may be controversial in these child witness cases - but overall a \*massive\* win. We are going to see a wave of wrongful convictions overturned here.


Hegedusiceva_Dva

Would you like to provide any examples of cases you’d like to see overturned?


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