05/02/2026
MISSISSIPPI LAW UPDATE
Mississippi is expanding its death penalty law.
Beginning July 1, capital sexual battery will become a new capital offense under state law — meaning the death penalty could apply in extremely severe child sexual abuse cases, specifically when a child 12 years old or younger suffers damage or injury to their sexual organs.
The law is designed to challenge the Kennedy v. Louisiana ruling, where the Supreme Court of the United States decided the death penalty could only be used in murder cases — not child r**e or sexual abuse.
Lawmakers behind the bill say the goal is to protect children and push the issue back before the nation’s highest court.
If upheld, Mississippi will join Florida, Tennessee, and Idaho as states allowing the death penalty in certain child sexual battery cases.
Effective date: July 1.
