DID YOU KNOW???

In 1977, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to sentence someone to death who had not committed a murder.

Louisiana doesn't.

The highlights:

Convicted child rapist sentenced to death in Jefferson Parish

A man convicted of raping an 8-year-old relative became the first person in Louisiana given a death sentence under a 1995 law that allows the death penalty for a crime other than murder.

Under the Louisiana law, the death penalty can be sought for aggravated rape if the victim is under the age of 12. The other penalty is a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.

The Louisiana law conflicts with a 1977 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that it was unconstitutional to sentence someone to death who had not committed a murder. Until now, no one has been given a death sentence for a crime other than murder, said Nick Trenticosta, a New Orleans lawyer who's handled many death row cases.

"There is no doubt in my mind this man's conviction will be overturned," he said.

Louisiana's death row has seven people who have raped children, but they were also convicted of first degree murder, said Burl Cain, warden of Louisiana State Penitentiary.