© 2024 Louisville Public Media

Public Files:
89.3 WFPL · 90.5 WUOL-FM · 91.9 WFPK

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact info@lpm.org or call 502-814-6500
89.3 WFPL News | 90.5 WUOL Classical 91.9 WFPK Music | KyCIR Investigations
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Stream: News Music Classical

'Caylee's Law' Proposed in Kentucky, Could Have No Effect

A bill in reaction to the high-profile Casey Anthony trial in Orlando Florida has surfaced in Kentucky.“Caylee’s Law” was recently pre-filed for the 2012 legislative session.When Anthony was acquitted of murdering her two-year-old daughter Caylee, many observers were outraged that she faced no jail time for failing to report her daughter missing for 31 days.“Caylee’s Law” would charge a parent or guardian with a felony for failing to report a child under 12 missing within 12 hours.Attorney Brian Butler says the bill may have good intentions, but could have little effect in Kentucky.“Well, a lot of people were really upset with that verdict in Florida and it makes people feel better to do something proactive," he says "but I’m not sure that that this will really change anything and that there would have been a loophole in Kentucky law anyway.”Butler says existing abuse and endangerment laws could already be interpreted to have a similar effect as Caylee’s law.“You know we charge people for leaving their child in a car for leaving their child at home for a period of time," Butler says "we don’t need a special law for that, we use endangerment laws or criminal abuse laws.”Democratic state Representative Richard Henderson pre-filed the bill, but could not be reached for comment.

Can we count on your support?

Louisville Public Media depends on donations from members – generous people like you – for the majority of our funding. You can help make the next story possible with a donation of $10 or $20. We'll put your gift to work providing news and music for our diverse community.