Sex offender registration litigation: punishment and free speech
In the past week, there were two notable developments regarding the constitutionality of state sex offender registration schemes. First, as noted by … Continue reading →
Michigan AG Dana Nessel Does The Unthinkable: Argues The Truth About SORA
from Guy Hamilton-Smith. Michigan’s Attorney General has entered the cultural and legal conflagration of how we reckon with sexual violence in our society … Continue reading →
Kids in Cuffs: Reaching back in time to charge adults for youth offenses by Joshua Vaughn
Josh Vaughn’s reporting on PA sex offense laws and the consequences have been nothing beyond stellar. His most recent series, … Continue reading →
Who’s not worth saving from the storm?
We hold these truths . . . self-evident . . . created equal . . . certain unalienable rights . … Continue reading →
Should we show compassion?
The story of a couple who were found dead inside of a tent at a homeless encampment has led to … Continue reading →
Registrants needed for survey: Economic Impact of the Sex Offender Registry (ends March 1)
Below is a request for registrants only to provide researchers with information about economic impacts of the registry. If you … Continue reading →
Formerly Incarcerated Sex Offenders Say Civil Commitment Programs Deny Proper Rehabilitation
Responding to several highly-publicized sex crimes and public fears, legislatures across the country have adopted statutes that allow the continued … Continue reading →
The Importance of Connection | Alissa R. Ackerman | TEDxCSULB
Dr. Alissa R. Ackerman offers a new perspective on restorative justice and how it can help those who suffered from … Continue reading →
ACLU suit seeks changes to Michigan sex offender registry
Civil rights advocates say Does # 1-6 v. Snyder, No. 16-cv-13137 E.D. Mich. is an example of how thousands of people … Continue reading →
‘Untouchable’ Makes the Case for More Lenient Sex Offender Laws in America
A new documentary forwards the argument that our sex-offender laws are based largely on bogus stats and deserve to be … Continue reading →
Untouchable (Film) Available for Streaming on January 15
Untouchable, the award-winning documentary that takes an unflinching look at sex offenders, the laws used to punish them, and the people … Continue reading →
New US Sentencing Commission Report: Mandatory Minimums for Federal Sex Offenses
This publication examines the application of mandatory minimum penalties specific to federal sex offenses; it is the sixth and final … Continue reading →
OR: Living with a label
For most youth, childhood is a seemingly innocent and simple time, typically full of school work, play time and life … Continue reading →
Why Should Feminists Be Against the Sex Offender Registry?
In October, the Supreme Court heard a case that was painfully ironic, considering the Kavanaugh hearings the nation had just … Continue reading →
A Must Read – Eric Galeana’s Master Thesis
PUBLIC ATTITUDE TOWARDS CALIFORNIA’S NEW LAW TO END LIFETIME SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION California is one of four states in the … Continue reading →
One Criminal-Defense Attorney’s Lament: Scott Greenfield argues that innocents are being sacrificed in the name of utopian causes
[theatlantic.com – 11/21/18] For more than a decade, the criminal-defense attorney Scott H. Greenfield has been writing about American law … Continue reading →
When stealing LEGOs adds to a lifetime of consequences
A petition argues that people seeking to escape the sex offender registry, including those put on it as children, deserve … Continue reading →
On the registry? Do you know everything you should?
In a recent column, Dear Abby makes the unqualified statement that a person with a Level 3 or Tier 3 … Continue reading →
The ‘Frightening and High’ Factoid About Sex Offender Recidivism Still Stalks Courts Across the Land, Completely Untethered From Actual Numbers
Arizona Supreme Court overturned a state ban on bail for people accused of sexual assault “when the proof is evident … Continue reading →
Can Smith v. Doe be overturned?
The Floridia Action Committee (FAC) gives hope to the SCOTUS overturning it’s own decision in this brief article. … Continue reading →
Economic Impact Study – please take!
Our names are Dr. Jennifer Klein and Dr. Danielle Bailey and we are both Assistant Professors at the University of … Continue reading →
SCOTUS: Justices add three new cases to this term’s docket
In United States v. Haymond, the justices will weigh in on a challenge to the constitutionality of a federal law … Continue reading →
Gundy: Sex offender registry sparks Supreme Court debate over congressional powers
Supreme Court justices on Tuesday grappled with how much power Congress can pass on to federal agencies in a case … Continue reading →
Chester County Case Appealed Directly to PA Supreme Court
Constitutionality of law requiring reporting to PA State Police as a sex offender being appealed to PA Supreme Court.
Continue reading →
Are the Courts Finally Coming Around?
A Common Pleas Court judge has ruled that the law requiring to report to state police as a sex offender was unconstitutional.
Continue reading →
PA: Superior Court removes Allegheny County judge from sex offender’s resentencing
The state Superior Court, in a rare move Wednesday, ordered Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Donna Jo McDaniel to be … Continue reading →
Cosby’s Bail Denied
The PA Superior Court refused to hear Cosby’s petition for bail while appealing his sentence. No reason was given by … Continue reading →
Inmates in Pennsylvania launch boycott of prison profiteers
[workers.org – 9/27/18] “I am going to boycott the third-party correspondence system,” Bryant Arroyo, an activist and organizer currently detained … Continue reading →
Cosby to fight ‘sexually violent predator’ tag at sentencing
Bill Cosby’s sentencing hearing, held September 24th, is striking cords on the current debate in Pennsylvania over the legality of … Continue reading →
Sexual Assault – Unreasonable and harsh punishment in Allegheny County
Common Pleas Judge Donna Jo McDaniel, a veteran Allegheny County judge, is under scrutiny for her excessive sentencing of sexual … Continue reading →
PA: Extended registration periods under SORNA unlawful
Court ruling against retroactive extension of registration period for 19 individuals who were convicted before the enactment of SORNA – … Continue reading →
PARSOL at Work
National News
CA: ACSOL Supports Senate Bill to Terminate Registration Requirements
The Alliance for Constitutional Sex Offense Laws (ACSOL) has agreed to support Senate Bill 145 that would provide judges with … Continue reading →
AL: District Court Determines Alabama Laws to be Punishment
Doe v. Marshall – decided February 11, 2019 Conclusion: Alabama can prosecute sex offenses to the full extent of the law. It … Continue reading →
Conference Call re. Michigan AG Dana Nessel Amicus Briefs
Women Against Registry – Have Questions? We have received many questions since notifying our members of the amicus briefs filed … Continue reading →
CA: Sex Offender Seeks Access to Son’s School to Enhance His Learning
An admitted registered sex offender is suing the Lancaster School District, alleging he is being wrongfully denied access to his … Continue reading →
ACSOL Leads Lobby Day 2019 in State Capitol
ACSOL led about 40 registrants, family members and supporters in Lobby Day 2019 in the CA State Capitol. The participants … Continue reading →
Florida State Senator Lauren Book introduced Senate Bill 540 that includes the establishment of a “Soliciting for Prostitution Registry”
[flsenate.gov – 1/25/19] SB 540: Human Trafficking GENERAL BILL by Book Human Trafficking; Requiring the owner or operator of a … Continue reading →
CA: Appellate Court Rules in Registrant’s Favor in Prop. 57 Case
An appellate court in California ruled today that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) must provide consideration for … Continue reading →
CA: San Diego Federal Judge Denies City’s Motion to Dismiss Challenge to Residency Restrictions
[ACSOL] A federal judge today denied a Motion to Dismiss filed by the City of San Diego that, if granted, … Continue reading →
IA: Bill to Require Continued Registration
… One area I have been working on in past years has to do with requiring sex offenders that have … Continue reading →
FL: Comprehensive ‘Florida First Step Act’ Excludes Registrants
Sen. Jeff Brandes is spearheading the state’s criminal justice reform initiative. SB 642 is his 10th justice reform-related bill pre-filed for … Continue reading →
United States v. Moorehead
The FBI accessed Playpen and verified that the website contained child pornography, then executed a search warrant at a North … Continue reading →
IL: Court tosses lawsuit in sex-video suicide case
A federal judge in Chicago has dismissed a lawsuit brought against a suburban Chicago school by parents of a student … Continue reading →
CA: Wiener legislation seeks to end ‘blatant discrimination’ in sex offender registry laws
A new state bill introduced by Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, could possibly change the way young offenders, specifically those … Continue reading →
Kat’s Blog: Death of a Registrant: Two Different Perspectives
The recent heart attack and subsequent death of a registrant who attended a “sex offender” treatment group for the past … Continue reading →
HI: Proposal would put tough restrictions on where sex offenders can live
A proposal before lawmakers would make it illegal for any registered sex offender to temporarily or permanently live within 1,000 … Continue reading →
MI: Sex Offender Registry afoul of constitution (Editorial)
Michigan lawmakers seem keen on making important reforms to the state’s criminal justice system, which should expand protections for civil … Continue reading →
Civil Regulation? The Registry and its Components are in fact Legislative Punishment
[sosen.org – 1/12/19] The first thing that must be pointed out is that the sex offender registry came about because … Continue reading →
ACLU suit seeks changes to Michigan sex offender registry
Civil rights advocates say Does # 1-6 v. Snyder, No. 16-cv-13137 E.D. Mich. is an example of how thousands of people … Continue reading →
NH: Relief for Some Persons on the NH Sex Offender Registry
Effective June 6, 2016, in New Hampshire, Tier 2 and Tier 3 sex offenders who were convicted before 1992 have … Continue reading →
SC bill would prohibit sex offenders from working, volunteering around kids
[live5news.com – 1/15/19] MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – Right now, registered sex offenders are allowed to work and volunteer around … Continue reading →
IL: Man sues state’s attorney, officials for $10M over sex offender registration
A convicted sex offender who claims he was innocent is suing St. Clair County State’s Attorney Brendan Kelly and state … Continue reading →
FL: Miami-Herald: FAC Opinion Published
[floridaactioncommittee.org – 1/4/19. Not available on miamiherald.com] An opinion piece in response to a recent article in the Miami Herald … Continue reading →
OR: Living with a label
For most youth, childhood is a seemingly innocent and simple time, typically full of school work, play time and life … Continue reading →
NARSOL: RIT study is Butner Redux deja vu
[narsol.org – 1/7/19] Michael M . . . A recent study conducted by researchers at the Rochester Institute of Technology, … Continue reading →
Civil Rights Attorney to be Keynote Speaker at ACSOL’s Conference on June 14 and June 15
Civil rights attorney Adele Nicholas will be the keynote speaker at ACSOL’s third annual conference to be held on June … Continue reading →
OK: Some law enforcement worry new, stricter law will discourage sex offenders from registering
A new law that further tightens restrictions on where sex offenders can live has some law enforcement agencies concerned it … Continue reading →
Kat’s Blog: There’s No Making Sense of Residency and Presence Restrictions
Registrants receive mixed messages when trying to make sense of the registry’s Residency & Presence Regulations. If you haven’t already, … Continue reading →
TX: Ex-Baylor frat president indicted on 4 counts of sex assault won’t go to prison
[cnn.com – 12/11/18] Even though Jacob Walter Anderson was indicted on four counts of sexual assault, the ex-fraternity president won’t … Continue reading →
SCOTUS: Who Gets to Define the Crime?
Agencies have to interpret statutes to carry out the work of the administrative state. But in the hands of federal … Continue reading →
Proposed 2019 Amendments to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines [open to public comments!]
[ussc.gov – 12/13/19] During a public meeting this morning, the U.S. Sentencing Commission voted to publish for comment proposed amendments … Continue reading →
Kat’s Blog: The Registry “Jingles” Away With Your Money
The holidays, a time of giving. But for registrants, that “giving”, goes on all year. Registrants fork over payment for … Continue reading →
WA: Sex offender records request raises safety, First Amendment questions
Attorneys fighting a request to release the names of all level 1 sex offenders in Cowlitz County are making a … Continue reading →
MI: This Proposed Michigan Law Would Treat Parents Who Use Drugs Like Sex Offenders
[filtermag.org – 12/12/18] Sex offender registries and notification laws have proliferated in the name of protecting women and children, despite … Continue reading →
UT: Social work expert disagrees with federal law enforcers about sex offender treatment
[deseretnews.com – 12/15/18] A University of Utah social work professor and therapist disagrees with the state’s top federal law enforcement … Continue reading →
MN: Judge strikes down city ordinance restricting sex offender housing
[startribune.com – 12/18/18] A Hennepin County judge has struck down an ordinance in Dayton, Minn. that restricts where sex offenders … Continue reading →
CT: Commission Considers Changes to State Sex-Offender Registry
Connecticut is steps closer to potentially changing the way the state’s sex-offender registry is managed. The Connecticut Sentencing Commission is … Continue reading →
VA: Father of 5 says life on sex offender registry has forced him and his family into homelessness
Many people may be unconcerned with what someone on the registry goes through, but William Walker said he hopes by … Continue reading →
UT: Most sex offenders will be released from prison – What Utah corrections is doing to keep you safe
The sex offender population at the Utah State Prison continues to grow at a staggering pace. In 1996, there were … Continue reading →
IN: Sex offender questions meaning of ‘obscene’
[tribstar.com – 11/25/18] When community corrections officers went to check on Nathaniel Bennett, who was serving an in-home sentence for … Continue reading →
Cotton wields sex offender report to tank prisons bill
GOP Sen. Tom Cotton is locked in an awkward fight with fellow Republicans over their push to change federal prison … Continue reading →
CA: Changing Minds: Master student’s thesis challenges views on sex offender laws
A California law that will go into effect in 2021 is set to bring about the most sweeping changes ever … Continue reading →
NC: Process for adding out of state convictions to state registry is unconstitutional
[floridaactioncommittee.org – 11/23/18] In an opinion entered earlier this month. A North Carolina District Court Judge found the state’s process … Continue reading →
RI: Judge dismisses charge against sex offender
Recent misdemeanor charges against ____ ____, a registered sex offender who caused a stir among neighbors when he moved to … Continue reading →
AZ: Denying Bail
The Arizona Supreme Court got it right: categorical denials of bail to persons charged with sexual assault violates the Constitution. … Continue reading →
Janice’s Journal: Church Guidelines Repeat Myths, Spread Fear
It is essential that registrants have access to church services because for some registrants the ability to worship at a … Continue reading →
Black Men Disproportionately Represented On Sex Offender Registries
Even though it’s unlikely that they commit sexual assault at higher rates than other ethnic or racial groups, nearly one … Continue reading →
GA: City Council passes emergency ordinance banning homelessness
With an outcry from neighbors about recently released sex offenders living under a nearby bridge, the Ringgold City Council unanimously … Continue reading →
Is a Categorical Denial of Bail for Accused Sex Offenders Constitutional?
The Supreme Court will soon consider whether to grant a certiorari petition filed by Arizona, which involves a voter-approved amendment … Continue reading →
NC: High court weighs if tracking sex offenders reasonable
North Carolina’s Supreme Court is re-evaluating whether forcing sex offenders to be perpetually tracked by GPS-linked devices, sometimes for the … Continue reading →
OK: Police Oppose New Sex Offender Residency Restrictions
[newson6.com – 11/1/18] Tulsa police say that the new laws will prevent registrants from living in the entire city of … Continue reading →
Group that promotes ‘rational sex offense laws’ says it’ll open Halloween hotline (NARSOL)
A group that says it advocates for ‘rational sexual offense laws’ is organizing a nationwide Halloween hotline and vows to … Continue reading →
Halloween: When Sex Offenders Are the Scariest Ghosts
Why do we scare ourselves about how much our kids are at risk? Full Article… Read More >> … Continue reading →
Lauren McCluskey Murder: What’s the Point of the Sex Offender Registry?
At approximately 8:20 p.m. on Monday, October 22nd, University of Utah college student Lauren McCluskey, 21, was found shot to … Continue reading →
RI: City Officials Stoke Mob Mentality in Front of Sex Offender’s Home
When _____ _____ , a convicted child sex offender, was released from prison after serving almost 30 years, he quietly … Continue reading →
CA: Governor Vetoes Eight Sex Offender Bills
Governor Jerry Brown vetoed a total of eight sex offender bills, passed by the state legislature, that could have negatively … Continue reading →
The modern Leper: Sex Offender Law reform
Everyone who is reasonable admits (nowadays) that homosexuality is not a disease, nor should the LGBTQIA+ community be treated as … Continue reading →
NE: Federal judge pulls stay that kept juveniles off sex offender registry
A federal judge Monday lifted the stay he issued last month that had kept the Nebraska State Patrol from putting … Continue reading →
Guy Hamilton-Smith on Sex Offender Registration & Social Media
In this episode, Guy Hamilton-Smith, Legal Fellow at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law Sex Offense Litigation and Policy Resource … Continue reading →
FL: Ex Post Facto Lawsuit Filed (FAC)
A lawsuit was filed in Federal Court challenging the Florida Sex Offender registry. The suit is a facial challenge, filed … Continue reading →
‘There was a lot of shame’: meet the sex offender ‘who is not a sex offender’
What happens when people convicted of nonsexual crimes are labeled as “sex offenders”? A man in New York state is … Continue reading →
NV: Nevada to embark on new sex offender registry system, but critics say it’s overly harsh
Las Vegas attorney Alina Shell represents sex offenders, and she said it’s been an emotional time in recent weeks among … Continue reading →
CA: When Handing Out Candy To Trick-or-Treaters Means Risking Arrest
[theappeal.org – 10/1/18] Lawyer [Janice M. Bellucci] seeks end to Halloween restrictions that target people convicted of sex offenses. Before … Continue reading →
MO: Proposed ordinance would keep sex offenders from serving liquor
To serve alcohol in Kansas City, you need a liquor card. The public safety committee is considering a new proposed … Continue reading →
CA: Lawsuit Challenges Kern County Residency Restrictions
A lawsuit has been filed in Kern County Superior Court which challenges the residency and presence restrictions in that county. … Continue reading →
FL: Banished
This article sheds much needed light on the extreme restrictions that Miami-Dade County forces on those on the registry. These … Continue reading →
SCOTUS: Justices face nondelegation challenge to federal sex-offender registration law
Congress enacted the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. One provision of SORNA created a requirement that a convicted sex … Continue reading →
Two California Cities Repeal Halloween Restrictions
The Cities of Lancaster and Temecula this week repealed restrictions which prohibited all registrants living in those cities from fully … Continue reading →
TX: For some sex offenders, their deal with the state wasn’t really a deal
When the Beaumont police detective called him in 2014, Curtis wondered what the officer might want. His only run-in with … Continue reading →
NY: Banished from New York City : The Legality, Policy Considerations, and Practical Implications of the Housing Restrictions Faced by People on the Sex Offender Registry
[nycbar.org – 9/11/18] In New York City, there are hundreds of men and women on the sex offender registry who … Continue reading →
MI: Does v. Snyder brings changes to state’s Sex Offender Registration Law
Six people who filed a lawsuit against the State of Michigan, challenging the constitutionality of its Sex Offender Registration Act … Continue reading →
These sex offenders are begging to be deported. Why does California pay millions to keep them?
_____ _____ has a healthy kidney waiting for him in El Salvador. But he can’t get to it. Despite his … Continue reading →
CA: Man Held 17 Years Without Trial Ordered Free by Appellate Court
Attributing a California man’s 17-year detention awaiting trial for commitment as a sexually violent predator to a “systematic breakdown in … Continue reading →
GA: The Jolt: On Stacey Abrams’ ‘08 vote against banishment of sex offenders
[politics.myajc.com – 9/11/18] On Monday, the Georgia GOP again plunged deeply into the legislative record of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey … Continue reading →
SC: Can sex offenders stay at Red Cross shelters?
With Hurricane Florence barreling towards the coast of the Carolinas, residents in multiple counties have been urged to evacuate either … Continue reading →
NE: Judge – Keep juvenile sex offenders off registry
A federal judge has told Nebraska to keep juvenile sex offenders off the state sex offender registry if they weren’t … Continue reading →
TedMed Talk – Child Sexual Abuse is Preventable, Not Inevitable by Elizabeth Letourneau
Elizabeth Letourneau, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Professor, addresses the effectiveness and need of prevention in child sexual … Continue reading →
News Feeds
CA: ACSOL Supports Senate Bill to Terminate Registration Requirements
The Alliance for Constitutional Sex Offense Laws (ACSOL) has agreed to support Senate Bill 145 that would provide judges with … Continue reading →
AL: District Court Determines Alabama Laws to be Punishment
Doe v. Marshall – decided February 11, 2019 Conclusion: Alabama can prosecute sex offenses to the full extent of the law. It … Continue reading →
UK: University launches scheme to rehabilitate sex offenders
Sex offenders will be given support to help find a job and make new friends under a pioneering scheme run … Continue reading →
CNMI: Sex registry’s constitutionality questioned
Northern Mariana Islands – A registered sex offender, whose adult girlfriend is currently pregnant, is questioning the constitutionality of the law … Continue reading →
Conference Call re. Michigan AG Dana Nessel Amicus Briefs
Women Against Registry – Have Questions? We have received many questions since notifying our members of the amicus briefs filed … Continue reading →
CA: Sex Offender Seeks Access to Son’s School to Enhance His Learning
An admitted registered sex offender is suing the Lancaster School District, alleging he is being wrongfully denied access to his … Continue reading →
England: Headteacher banned after ‘she didn’t disclose relationship with sex offender’
[birminghammail.co.uk – 2/6/19] A headteacher has been banned from the country’s classrooms after she failed to disclose her relationship with … Continue reading →
ACSOL Leads Lobby Day 2019 in State Capitol
ACSOL led about 40 registrants, family members and supporters in Lobby Day 2019 in the CA State Capitol. The participants … Continue reading →
Trinidad and Tobago: Senator objects to public naming of sex convicts
[guardian.co.tt – 2/5/19] At least one Independent Senator is not in support of the names of sexual offenders going public. … Continue reading →
Antigua & Barbuda To Implement Sex Offenders’ Registry
[stluciatimes.com – 2/2/19] Antigua Observer:- Residents will soon be alerted when a sex offender moves into their neighborhood. Attorney General … Continue reading →
Florida State Senator Lauren Book introduced Senate Bill 540 that includes the establishment of a “Soliciting for Prostitution Registry”
[flsenate.gov – 1/25/19] SB 540: Human Trafficking GENERAL BILL by Book Human Trafficking; Requiring the owner or operator of a … Continue reading →
CA: Appellate Court Rules in Registrant’s Favor in Prop. 57 Case
An appellate court in California ruled today that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) must provide consideration for … Continue reading →
Should we show compassion?
The story of a couple who were found dead inside of a tent at a homeless encampment has led to … Continue reading →
CA: San Diego Federal Judge Denies City’s Motion to Dismiss Challenge to Residency Restrictions
[ACSOL] A federal judge today denied a Motion to Dismiss filed by the City of San Diego that, if granted, … Continue reading →
IA: Bill to Require Continued Registration
… One area I have been working on in past years has to do with requiring sex offenders that have … Continue reading →
Registrants needed for survey: Economic Impact of the Sex Offender Registry (ends March 1)
Below is a request for registrants only to provide researchers with information about economic impacts of the registry. If you … Continue reading →
FL: Comprehensive ‘Florida First Step Act’ Excludes Registrants
Sen. Jeff Brandes is spearheading the state’s criminal justice reform initiative. SB 642 is his 10th justice reform-related bill pre-filed for … Continue reading →
United States v. Moorehead
The FBI accessed Playpen and verified that the website contained child pornography, then executed a search warrant at a North … Continue reading →
Formerly Incarcerated Sex Offenders Say Civil Commitment Programs Deny Proper Rehabilitation
Responding to several highly-publicized sex crimes and public fears, legislatures across the country have adopted statutes that allow the continued … Continue reading →
IL: Court tosses lawsuit in sex-video suicide case
A federal judge in Chicago has dismissed a lawsuit brought against a suburban Chicago school by parents of a student … Continue reading →
South Africa: Call for sex offenders’ list to be made public
[www.iol.co.za – 1/24/19] DURBAN – Child rights organisation Save the Children has launched an online petition calling on Police Minister … Continue reading →
CA: Wiener legislation seeks to end ‘blatant discrimination’ in sex offender registry laws
A new state bill introduced by Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, could possibly change the way young offenders, specifically those … Continue reading →
Kat’s Blog: Death of a Registrant: Two Different Perspectives
The recent heart attack and subsequent death of a registrant who attended a “sex offender” treatment group for the past … Continue reading →
HI: Proposal would put tough restrictions on where sex offenders can live
A proposal before lawmakers would make it illegal for any registered sex offender to temporarily or permanently live within 1,000 … Continue reading →
MI: Sex Offender Registry afoul of constitution (Editorial)
Michigan lawmakers seem keen on making important reforms to the state’s criminal justice system, which should expand protections for civil … Continue reading →
New Zealand: Public vilification a factor in Wellington academic sentencing
[stuff.co.nz – 1/28/19] Convicted sex offender ______ likely received a lesser sentence because of the potential “vilification” he would face, … Continue reading →
Civil Regulation? The Registry and its Components are in fact Legislative Punishment
[sosen.org – 1/12/19] The first thing that must be pointed out is that the sex offender registry came about because … Continue reading →
ACLU suit seeks changes to Michigan sex offender registry
Civil rights advocates say Does # 1-6 v. Snyder, No. 16-cv-13137 E.D. Mich. is an example of how thousands of people … Continue reading →
NH: Relief for Some Persons on the NH Sex Offender Registry
Effective June 6, 2016, in New Hampshire, Tier 2 and Tier 3 sex offenders who were convicted before 1992 have … Continue reading →
FL: Women Against Registry Call to Action – Video visits replacing in-person visits.
Seminole County Jail inmates can no longer handle letters or pictures mailed by family and friends as a new system … Continue reading →
Kat’s Blog: Blimey, Who Does Australia’s Fact Checking?
Peter Dutton, Minister for Home Affairs in Australia wants to be the white knight riding in to save his constituents … Continue reading →
SC bill would prohibit sex offenders from working, volunteering around kids
[live5news.com – 1/15/19] MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – Right now, registered sex offenders are allowed to work and volunteer around … Continue reading →
‘Untouchable’ Makes the Case for More Lenient Sex Offender Laws in America
A new documentary forwards the argument that our sex-offender laws are based largely on bogus stats and deserve to be … Continue reading →
AUS: Peter Dutton proposes public register of child sex offenders
Child sex offenders could have their names and photos uploaded to a public register in what is being described as … Continue reading →
Untouchable (Film) Available for Streaming on January 15
Untouchable, the award-winning documentary that takes an unflinching look at sex offenders, the laws used to punish them, and the people … Continue reading →
New US Sentencing Commission Report: Mandatory Minimums for Federal Sex Offenses
This publication examines the application of mandatory minimum penalties specific to federal sex offenses; it is the sixth and final … Continue reading →
IL: Man sues state’s attorney, officials for $10M over sex offender registration
A convicted sex offender who claims he was innocent is suing St. Clair County State’s Attorney Brendan Kelly and state … Continue reading →
FL: Miami-Herald: FAC Opinion Published
[floridaactioncommittee.org – 1/4/19. Not available on miamiherald.com] An opinion piece in response to a recent article in the Miami Herald … Continue reading →
OR: Living with a label
For most youth, childhood is a seemingly innocent and simple time, typically full of school work, play time and life … Continue reading →
NARSOL: RIT study is Butner Redux deja vu
[narsol.org – 1/7/19] Michael M . . . A recent study conducted by researchers at the Rochester Institute of Technology, … Continue reading →
Civil Rights Attorney to be Keynote Speaker at ACSOL’s Conference on June 14 and June 15
Civil rights attorney Adele Nicholas will be the keynote speaker at ACSOL’s third annual conference to be held on June … Continue reading →
Why Should Feminists Be Against the Sex Offender Registry?
In October, the Supreme Court heard a case that was painfully ironic, considering the Kavanaugh hearings the nation had just … Continue reading →
OK: Some law enforcement worry new, stricter law will discourage sex offenders from registering
A new law that further tightens restrictions on where sex offenders can live has some law enforcement agencies concerned it … Continue reading →
Kat’s Blog: There’s No Making Sense of Residency and Presence Restrictions
Registrants receive mixed messages when trying to make sense of the registry’s Residency & Presence Regulations. If you haven’t already, … Continue reading →
TX: Ex-Baylor frat president indicted on 4 counts of sex assault won’t go to prison
[cnn.com – 12/11/18] Even though Jacob Walter Anderson was indicted on four counts of sexual assault, the ex-fraternity president won’t … Continue reading →
SCOTUS: Who Gets to Define the Crime?
Agencies have to interpret statutes to carry out the work of the administrative state. But in the hands of federal … Continue reading →
Proposed 2019 Amendments to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines [open to public comments!]
[ussc.gov – 12/13/19] During a public meeting this morning, the U.S. Sentencing Commission voted to publish for comment proposed amendments … Continue reading →
Kat’s Blog: The Registry “Jingles” Away With Your Money
The holidays, a time of giving. But for registrants, that “giving”, goes on all year. Registrants fork over payment for … Continue reading →
WA: Sex offender records request raises safety, First Amendment questions
Attorneys fighting a request to release the names of all level 1 sex offenders in Cowlitz County are making a … Continue reading →
MI: This Proposed Michigan Law Would Treat Parents Who Use Drugs Like Sex Offenders
[filtermag.org – 12/12/18] Sex offender registries and notification laws have proliferated in the name of protecting women and children, despite … Continue reading →
UT: Social work expert disagrees with federal law enforcers about sex offender treatment
[deseretnews.com – 12/15/18] A University of Utah social work professor and therapist disagrees with the state’s top federal law enforcement … Continue reading →
MN: Judge strikes down city ordinance restricting sex offender housing
[startribune.com – 12/18/18] A Hennepin County judge has struck down an ordinance in Dayton, Minn. that restricts where sex offenders … Continue reading →
CT: Commission Considers Changes to State Sex-Offender Registry
Connecticut is steps closer to potentially changing the way the state’s sex-offender registry is managed. The Connecticut Sentencing Commission is … Continue reading →
PA: Superior Court removes Allegheny County judge from sex offender’s resentencing
The state Superior Court, in a rare move Wednesday, ordered Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Donna Jo McDaniel to be … Continue reading →
Kat’s Blog: Lessons Learned
Our family member has been on the registry for a year. I know that in the grand scheme of things, … Continue reading →
Are Sex Offenders Categorically Unworthy Of Rights?
It’s bad enough, both for substantive as well as factual reasons, that the Supreme Court in Smith v. Doe held … Continue reading →
David Comes Out Against Sex Offender Registry [David Pakman Show on YouTube]
[YouTube – 11/4/18] After receiving a question from a viewer last week, David comes out against the sex offender registry. … Continue reading →
OK: Police Oppose New Sex Offender Residency Restrictions
[newson6.com – 11/1/18] Tulsa police say that the new laws will prevent registrants from living in the entire city of … Continue reading →
Group that promotes ‘rational sex offense laws’ says it’ll open Halloween hotline (NARSOL)
A group that says it advocates for ‘rational sexual offense laws’ is organizing a nationwide Halloween hotline and vows to … Continue reading →
CA: Governor Vetoes Eight Sex Offender Bills
Governor Jerry Brown vetoed a total of eight sex offender bills, passed by the state legislature, that could have negatively … Continue reading →
NE: Federal judge pulls stay that kept juveniles off sex offender registry
A federal judge Monday lifted the stay he issued last month that had kept the Nebraska State Patrol from putting … Continue reading →
Discussion: How can registrants make a living?
This is an open discussion where you can share your ideas on how we registrants can find employment in a … Continue reading →
States Can’t Make Up New Laws to Punish Old Conduct Just Because They Call Them “Civil”
Article I, Section 10 of the Constitution provides that “[n]o State shall … pass any … Ex Post Facto law.” … Continue reading →
Bethea v. North Carolina – we hold our breath for the SCOTUS decision to review
For those affected by a public registry, all eyes and ears on focused on the US Supreme Court right now. … Continue reading →
Guy Hamilton-Smith on Sex Offender Registration & Social Media
In this episode, Guy Hamilton-Smith, Legal Fellow at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law Sex Offense Litigation and Policy Resource … Continue reading →
FL: Ex Post Facto Lawsuit Filed (FAC)
A lawsuit was filed in Federal Court challenging the Florida Sex Offender registry. The suit is a facial challenge, filed … Continue reading →
‘There was a lot of shame’: meet the sex offender ‘who is not a sex offender’
What happens when people convicted of nonsexual crimes are labeled as “sex offenders”? A man in New York state is … Continue reading →
CA: When Handing Out Candy To Trick-or-Treaters Means Risking Arrest
[theappeal.org – 10/1/18] Lawyer [Janice M. Bellucci] seeks end to Halloween restrictions that target people convicted of sex offenses. Before … Continue reading →
Inmates in Pennsylvania launch boycott of prison profiteers
[workers.org – 9/27/18] “I am going to boycott the third-party correspondence system,” Bryant Arroyo, an activist and organizer currently detained … Continue reading →
NY: Banished from New York City : The Legality, Policy Considerations, and Practical Implications of the Housing Restrictions Faced by People on the Sex Offender Registry
[nycbar.org – 9/11/18] In New York City, there are hundreds of men and women on the sex offender registry who … Continue reading →
India gets a sex offenders registry. What’s that?
[indiatoday.in – 9/13/21] India’s new National Database on Sexual Offenders (NDSO), a resource only law enforcement authorities can access, has … Continue reading →
MI: Does v. Snyder brings changes to state’s Sex Offender Registration Law
Six people who filed a lawsuit against the State of Michigan, challenging the constitutionality of its Sex Offender Registration Act … Continue reading →
TX: Something Is Wrong with the Sex Offender Registry, and Deregistration Is the Only Tool We Have to Fix It
Something is wrong with the sex offender registry. It is not working the way it was intended to work. Worse, … Continue reading →
Living with 290: Not above the law
No one is above the law. Punish me for the crimes I committed, but obey the law yourselves in doing … Continue reading →
Living with 290: No More use of the term “Sex Offender”
I would like to ask and insist that we all stop, that is STOP using the words “sex offender.” It’s … Continue reading →
The polygraph as applied: Are we focusing on technology at the expense of everything else that works?
[sajrt.blogspot.com – 8/22/18] By David S. Prescott, LICSW, Kieran McCartan, Ph.D., &Alissa Ackerman, Ph.D. Nothing divides the professional and academic … Continue reading →
Bermuda: Do not make sex offender registry public
[royalgazette.com – 8/23/18] Government expert: Seb Henagulph, a consultant at the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute and Westgate Correctional Facility A forensic … Continue reading →
Registration Influenced by Racial Bias, Ohio Study Claims
The classification of sex offenders based on the risks they pose to the community following their release from prison is … Continue reading →
On America’s Civil Death Penalty: The Sexual Offense Registry
“If America had a civil death penalty, putting people on sex registries would be it.”
Continue reading →NY: Couple raises concerns about 5 sex offenders living in nearby home
[news12.com – 8/4/18]SHIRLEY – A Shirley couple says five sex offenders are living together in their community nearly 80 feet … Continue reading →
NJ: Court Stops Retroactive Application of Lifetime Registration Law
An appellate court in New Jersey has ruled that the state government cannot retroactively apply a new law that requires … Continue reading →
WA: Judges Denies Lakewood’s Request To Stop Sex Offender Relocation
[patch.com – 8/6/18]LAKEWOOD, WA – A Pierce County judge has denied Lakewood’s request to stop the transfer of three sex … Continue reading →
NC: Court Determines GPS Tracking Devices Unconstitutional
The North Carolina Court of Appeals ruled yesterday that the state government’s requirement that registrants wear a GPS tracking device … Continue reading →
MA: Court Recognizes Harm to Registrants, Rules in Their Favor
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Council, the state’s supreme court, has ruled in favor of registrants who were trying either to … Continue reading →
KS: Salina art organization directors resign amid concern over sex offender volunteer
[kake.com – 8/3/18]SALINA, Kan. (KAKE) – The SPARK Artist Resource Exchange was supposed to be an organization of artists who … Continue reading →
CA: Scammers Target Los Angeles Registrants, Families
Scammers, who often pose on the phone as law enforcement officials, are threatening registrants with arrest and demanding immediate payment … Continue reading →
Case Spotlight: International Travel Notification
In 2011, the Supplemental Guidelines for Sex Offender Registration and Notification officially included in SORNA’s standards the obligation that jurisdictions … Continue reading →
CA: Did California Authorities Suppress Research on Sexually Violent Predators?
[thecrimereport.org – 8/3/18]State laws that allow sexually violent predators to be locked up even after they have served their sentences … Continue reading →
HI: Dozens of sex predators registered as living in Oahu parks
Hawaii’s sex offender registry is meant to keep people safe by requiring convicted sex criminals to submit their address to an … Continue reading →
OH: Springfield Township man claims Ohio’s sex offender parole law won’t allow visits with son
A Springfield Township man filed a federal lawsuit challenging Ohio’s sex offender parole law as unconstitutional because it forbids him … Continue reading →
NY: Critics say pardons will give sex offenders access to schools
[timesunion.com – 7/24/18]ALBANY — Schools are generally off-limits for sex offenders, but not when it comes time to vote. A … Continue reading →
MD: State funding to go toward ensuring sex offender compliance
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office will soon receive over $24,000 from the state to help enforce Maryland sex offender registry … Continue reading →
MO: SB655 changes Missouri’s sex offender list
A lot of people have been talking about how Senate Bill 655 adjusts how old one must be to get … Continue reading →
ICE arrests 2K child predators, skit compares it to ISIS
[onenewsnow.com – 7/23/18]After comedian Michelle Wolf compared the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the Islamic terrorist group … Continue reading →
MA: Court: Board needs proof in sex offender reclassification
[thesunchronicle.com – 8/1/18] BOSTON (AP) — The Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board has the burden of proof when determining whether … Continue reading →