A growing number of lawmakers are pushing for harsher penalties for child sex crimes — including proposals that would allow the death penalty for certain convicted offenders.

Supporters argue it’s about delivering the strongest possible justice for victims, while critics warn it raises serious constitutional concerns, particularly given past Supreme Court rulings limiting the death penalty in cases that don’t involve homicide.

The push is already fueling a wider debate about how far the justice system should go, and whether expanding capital punishment would protect victims — or create new legal and ethical challenges.