Has anyone seen MSNBC To Catch a Predator?

Question

Now I know Im gonna get slammed for this but isn't this entrapment? I know what these guys are doing is not cool but I dont see how they can arrest just for intent.I intend to rob a bank but they cant arrest me for just that alone.Also isnt this just a feel good kind of law where no one objects because of the crime?Whats next setting up drug dealers,drunk drivers,jaywalkers?This should not be allowed!It will only lead to less and less freedoms in this already deteriorating country...

ENTRAPMENT- the state or condition of being entrapped; also : the affirmative defense of having been entrapped by a government agent (as an officer or informant) —see also PREDISPOSE
NOTE: Entrapment is available as a defense only when an agent of the state or federal government has provided the encouragement or inducement. This defense is sometimes allowed in administrative proceedings (as for the revocation of a license to practice medicine) as well as criminal proceedings. In order to establish entrapment, the defendant has the burden of proving either that he or she would not have committed the crime but for the undue persuasion or fraud of the government agent or that the encouragement was such that it created a risk that persons not inclined to commit the crime would commit it depending on the jurisdiction When entrapment is pleaded, evidence (as character evidence)regarding the defendant that might otherwise have been excluded is allowed to be admitted IS THIS NOT WHAT THEYDO

im not defending pedophiles i am simply trying to see what others think about what we are letting law enforcement get away with.it all is gonna start with this then whats next.are they gonna start arresting everybody with an implied intent to do any crime?arresting us for our thoughts not our actions this is gonna get out of control but we are letting it happen

Also as for undercover drug busts if the dealer asks if they are a cop or working with law enforcement they have to say yes.I know from personal expierience.DUI checks are for catching people already doing something wrong.the first person to answer probably said it best..."The road to hell is paved with good intentions"

Answer 1

No its not entrapment because the way they do it is they go online and pretend to be a under aged person. Where these predators start up a sexual conversation with the "under aged" people. They ask if they can come over and do so. They make the choice freely to come over the police do not force them dateline/msnbc or the group that's posing as the underage person does not make them come over to participate in sexual acts.

Answer 2

I can definitely see both sides of the story. Yeah it does sound like entrapment but I think it's obvious what their intent is. As far as the DUI checkpoints - those are actually illegal in Michigan where I live as I'm sure they are other places too. Reading the definition of entrapment then yes I think that's exactly what it is. But how else would you catch these guys? Take the case of a drunk driver and you can usually spot them on the road. But with the "predators" I think this is the only way to catch them without them actually committing the crime. And they do set up drug dealers - isn't that what undercover cops are doing when they buy drugs from someone or however they do it? I'm definitely in agreement with you though - who's going to object to it because of the crime that it's dealing with.

Answer 3

I think the only reason the people actually get arrested is because they actually show up and try to find the girl. Of course they have "intent" and maybe some of them do show up just to have someone to talk to or hang out for a little bit. But the ones that actually show up naked, or with alcohol and drugs, and go looking for the girl thru the house, that's more than intent--that's "I'm going to do something with this person". Another reason is because once they get caught in the house, half of them lie and try to change the story. I think it's the same thing as overhearring someone say, "I'm a rapist" and an undercover cop hearing it, and investigating the situation...they've already set themselves up by admitting it and talking about it, so obviously it's something they have high intentions of going all the way thru with, not changing their mind half way thru.

Answer 4

You're missing the key to the whole entrapment defense. Those people were predisposed to commit the crime. The police only gave them the outlet to commit it. Had they not shown up at the address there is no crime. Those people got what they deserved.

C'mon you can't really feel sorry for them?

Answer 5

I agree with you to some degree. I mean yes, these guys deserve it. But sometimes on the show the guys say they weren't going to come but the girl kept asking them too. Seriously what 13 year old is going to beg a 30 year old to come to her house? Very unlikely. These guys are stupid to go there. The show is putting out a good point though, that you can get caught for illegal internet activity and it shows what scum your kids can attract online so the parents will be more aware. And lets face it, it is good tv. And that's what the network wants right, ratings.

Answer 6

Well, if you show up at the bank with a loaded gun and a ski mask, then you have the intent to commit the crime and you get the time. Same here. These perverts are showing up to have sex with what they think is a 12 or 13 yr old boy/girl. They bring alcohol and condoms. I say crucify them all.

BTW, why are you defending pedophiles? Are you one of them?

Answer 7

Actually intending to rob a bank is a crime, if they caught you going to rob a bank, dont you think you'd be arrested, they set up drug dealers everyday, dwi checks are in place because of Intent
and what freedom do you speak the freedom to molest children?

Answer 8

I think it is awesome what Chris Hanson is doing, why do you care are you over 18 and talk dirty to little girls??? sounds like we have a pedofile on the boards... and they do catch Drunk Drivers its called a DUI Checkpoiint, they are very common on like Memorial Day Weekend and LAbor Dar, when people go the lake and get wasted....... and freedom??? if your out there trtying to have sex with a 13 yr old... you dont need any freedom and any judge will tell you that.. and remember when you get cought they seize youur computer and look through it and even if you deleted something its still on your hard drive.... so they can go in and see what you search for on google..

Answer 9

How is it entrapment when the dumb shits show up at the house? Somehow I dont think there was someone forcing them to go. Everyone has a choice, and if you choose to prey on children than you get what you deserve. Personally, i think they should just be neutered to prevent them from ever doing somthing like that again.sickos...............

Answer 10

I understand the point you are trying to make ,however the law of intent was created to protect children...simply that.....and it is very much needed,as evidenced by the amount of predators that simply respond ......what is a society that doesnt at least attempt to protect it/s children?