Jessica's Law

Jessica's Law is the informal name of a 2005 Florida law designed to punish child sex predators harshly and reduce their ability to re-offend. The law is named after Jessica Lunsford, a young Florida girl allegedly raped and murdered by John Couey, a previously convicted sex offender, in February 2005. It was outrage over this case that spurred Florida officials to introduce the legislation. Among the key provisions of the law are a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison and lifetime monitoring of adults convicted of sexual battery of a minor under 13.

As National Precedent

Jessica's Law is also used to designate all legislation and potential legislation in other states modeled after the Florida law. Several states have introduced such legislation since Florida's law was passed.

In the Media

Fox News Channel's Bill O'Reilly has been the most notable and outspoken advocate for state-level adoption of Jessica's Law. He regularly displays a US map on the O'Reilly Factor which represents states that either have a "Jessica's Law" or are acting to adopt one in purple, states believed to be not taking such action in yellow, and uncertain states in grey. [1]

Federal Counterpart

A version of Jessica's Law has been introduced on the federal level, as well. For this, see the "Jessica Lunsford Act".