Question: Do you agree or disagree with the ruling? Why or why not?

Remember to cite your sources using the Bluebook format. (use footnotes)

700+ words are due by Wednesday

While there is broad support for statutory rape laws in the United States, there is substantial debate on how vigorously such cases should be pursued and under what circumstances. In July, 2005, Matthew Koso of Falls City, Nebraska was charged with statutory rape for premarital sex with a 13-year-old whom he subsequently married. The decision to prosecute Koso—which was undertaken by the state’s Attorney General, overruling the decision of the local prosecutor—has been controversial, with public opinion tilting in favor of Koso.

Although legally married in Kansas, Matthew Koso, 23, was sentenced to prison in Nebraska for sexual assault of a minor.

A friend of the girl’s half brother, Matthew began the relationship with the young girl when she was 12 years old. She became pregnant when she was 13, then married Matthew in Kansas in May, 2005, when she was 14 years old.

Although the marriage is valid, Nebraska law “prohibits people 19 or older from having sex with those under 16.”

Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning said, “I’m not going to stand by while a grown man…has a relationship with a 13-year-old – now 14-year old – girl.”

The girl gave birth to a daughter in August, 2005. Koso was sentenced to 18 to 30 months in prison with no option for probation.