Crime and Punishment Weekly Polls

Sex offenders in Maryland received paper signs in the mail that show a pumpkin and read "No candy at this residence," which they were required to post on their front doors with instructions to stay at home, turn off outside lights and not answer the door on Halloween.

Although the signs are intended to keep children safe, opponents believe they unnecessarily open up the offenders to public humiliation and possible retaliation.

Poll: Should sex offenders be required to post "No candy at this residence," on Halloween?

1) Yes
2) No
3) Undecided

The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal of a Nebraska case in which a judge barred all witnesses from using the word "rape" during a sexual assault trial. Meanwhile, he allowed the defendant's attorney to use "sex" and "intercourse" to describe the incident between Safi and the victim, Tory Bowen.

During the trial, Bowen accused Safi of sexually assaulting her in October 2004 when she was too intoxicated to give consent.

Do you think the judge violated the victim's constitutional rights?

1) Yes
2) No
3) Undecided

See Also:
Supreme Court Dodges 'Rape' Testimony Issue

O.J. Simpson's lawyers are seeking a new trial after he was found guilty of armed robbery and kidnapping of two sports memorabilia dealers at gunpoint in a Las Vegas casino hotel room.

Yahoo News reported that, "Attorney Gabriel Grasso wrote in a motion faulting Clark County District Judge Jackie Glass' decisions during jury selection, her limitations on cross-examination of witnesses during trial and her instructions to jurors before deliberations."

Poll: Will O.J. Simpson win his appeal?

1) Yes
2) No
3) Undecided

Background:
O.J. Simpson Guilty on All Charges

Denise Harvery of Vero Beach, Florida, received a 30-year sentence after being found guilty of having sex with her son's 16-year-old friend. The victim testified that he and Harvery had sex five times.

Do you think the 30 year sentence is appropriate?

1) Yes
2) No
3) Undecided

See Also:
Gallery - Women Arrested for Indecent Behavior With Kids

Over the objections of defense attorneys, a panel of all-white jurors was chosen late Thursday to hear the kidnapping and armed robbery case of O.J. Simpson and codefendant Clarence "C.J." Stewart. Attorneys claimed the prosecutors systematically excluded black jurors from serving on the jury.

Poll: Will the racial make-up of the jury affect the outcome? 1) Yes
2) No
3) Undecided

Background:
The Legal Saga of O.J. Simpson

Casey Anthony is apparently still not helping investigators locate her missing daughter Caylee. According to media reports, the State's Attorneys office has offered her partial immunity if she accepts it by Tuesday.

Poll: Do you think Anthony should receive partial immunity?

1) Yes
2) No
3) Maybe. It depends on the terms of the deal.

See Also:
The Caylee Marie Anthony Case

Crystal Mangum has kept a very low public profile since being accused of lying about being raped and beaten by three Duke Lacrosse players in March 2006. But that is about to change. According to her manager, Mangum, with co-author Vincent Clark, will be releasing a book titled,"The Last Dance for Grace: The Crystal Mangum Story," in October.

The charges against the three men accused of raping Mangum were dismissed and the former Durham D.A. Mike Nifong (pictured) was disbarred and jailed after the State Attorney General's Office reviewed the case.

Poll: Will you buy the book?

1) Yes
2) No
3) Maybe

See Also:
Duke Lacrosse Team Rape Scandal

Two years ago, 14-year-old Danieal Kelly, who suffered from cerebral palsy, died from malnutrition and maggot-infested bedsores. Danieal's parents have been charged with her death by starvation, but have now filed a wrongful death lawsuit against several City of Philadelphia employees and contract workers claiming they contributed to the girl's death. The lawsuit seeks reimbursement for medical bills, funeral costs and other expenses of Danieal Kelly.

Poll: Do the parents have a legitimate lawsuit?

1) Yes
2) No
3) Undecided

See Also:
Parents of Starved Child Sue City

A man facing the death penalty for kidnapping Dylan and Shasta Groene and killing Dylan will be allowed to represent himself during his federal death penalty hearing. U.S. District Judge Edward Lodge ruled that Joseph Edward Duncan III is competent to act as his own attorney during the proceeding.

Poll: Does having the defendant acting as his own attorney unduly influence a death penalty jury?

1) Yes
2) No
3) Undecided

See Also:
Duncan Allowed to Represent Himself

Two-year-old Caylee Anthony is missing and according to her mother Casey Anthony, she has been missing since June 9, 2008. Anthony told investigators that she left Caylee with a friend and nanny, but has since lost contact with her friend. Police were not told about the missing child until July 15, 2008, when the child’s grandparents reported Caylee missing after confronting Casey and learning that the mother had not seen her daughter for well over a month.

Poll: Do you believe Caylee Anthony is still alive?

1) Yes
2) No
3) Undecided

Background:
Prosecutors Believe Caylee Anthony Could Be Dead