Wilson Responds to Supreme Court Decisions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2008

CONTACT: Ryan Murphy
(202) 225-2452 (Office)
(202) 689-4825 (Cell)

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement today after the United States Supreme Court handed down two important decisions regarding the Death Penalty and Second Amendment Rights.

Yesterday, in a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court overturned a law in Louisiana that would allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty for the sexual assault of a child under the age of 12. South Carolina has a similar law allowing for capital punishment in cases where a predator has previously been convicted for sexually assaulting a child. State law may now be overturned.

"It is extremely disappointing that five members of the Supreme Court have chosen to override the wishes of the American people and in such a case as this," said Rep. Wilson. "The people of South Carolina through their state representatives, voted to allow the death penalty in these heinous cases under appropriate, narrowly targeted legal circumstances. As a former Member of the South Carolina Senate for 17 years, I know that our legislature reflects the beliefs and values of our community. Yesterday five Justices on the Supreme Court wrongly interjected their value system upon us and undermined the state's authority to decide how to prosecute and punish those who harm our children. This decision shows the importance of appointing strict constructionists who will not second guess decisions made by lawmakers elected by the people who hold them accountable for their actions. "

Today, in a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that a ban on handguns in Washington, D.C. is unconstitutional.

"With today's decision, the Supreme Court has ended over three decades of unconstitutional prejudice against the citizens of Washington, D.C. While Americans around this nation have been able to lawfully exercise their Second Amendment rights, those living in our nation's capital have seen those rights trampled upon. After the DC gun ban was passed, crime escalated. In South Carolina, certain violent crimes decreased upon the passage of a concealed weapons law. Now that the residents of Washington, D.C. have their constitutional rights restored, families can once again protect themselves and their property. This ruling is a strong example of the need to support the appointment of jurists who will standup for the principles of freedom our forefathers enumerated in the Constitution."

Congressman Wilson joined several other members of Congress in support of overturning the handgun ban by singing an amicus curiae brief in favor of repeal.

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