The case of Com. v. McGinnis involves the admissibility of expert testimony on false or distorted memories in children who are alleged victims of sexual abuse. The complainant, J.M., disclosed to his mother in 2013 that his father (the defendant) had sexually abused him years prior. J.M. was found competent to testify at trial. The defense sought to introduce expert…
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SCOPA Upholds Superior Courtâs Exclusion of Expert Testimony on False Memories
In Commonwealth v. McGinnis, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania (SCOPA) was asked âwhether âgenericâ false memories expert testimony in a child sexual abuse prosecution, which the defendant is presenting solely to educate jurors about how legitimate and false/distorted memories are and can be created in children, is admissible at trial.âOn Dec. 1, SCOPA released their evenly divided opinion. Therefore, affirming…
Read MorePARSOL’s Public Comment to the United States Sentencing Commission
During her confirmation hearings, now Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and former vice-chair of the USSC commission said, reflecting the Commissionâs stance on sexual offenses and sentencing: The statute doesnât say, âLook only at the guidelines and stop.âThe statute doesnât say, âImpose the highest possible penalty for this sickening and egregious crime.âThe statute says, âCalculate the guidelines, but also…
Read MoreAre the Courts the New Galileo?
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court (SCOPA) heard oral arguments in Commonwealth v. Torsilieri on May 23, 2023. I donât think the arguments were all too exciting. However, several interesting issues were made such as at what recidivism rate the General Assembly considers to be âhigh riskâ, whether the irrebuttable presumption test is useful anymore, whether ânot universally trueâ an accurate benchmark…
Read MorePA Superior Court Decides Com. v. John Aumick, 2023 PA Super 103 (Aumick II)
In an article I published on July 13, 2022, I promised I would update you on the Superior Court Com. v. John Aumick, 2022 PA Super. 33 (Aumick I) . I also wrote, â[n]ormally I donât write articles on Superior Court cases for two reasons: 1) an application for en banc (full court) reargument can be filed whereas, if granted,…
Read MoreNEWS RELEASE: PARSOL Responds to May 23, 2023 SCOPA Hearing in Comm. v. Torsilieri
Media Relations Contact: John Dawe, PARSOL Communication Director – media@parsol.org HARRISBURG, PA â The Pennsylvania Association for Rational Sexual Offense Laws (PARSOL) strongly urges the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to uphold Chester County Judge Allison Bell Royerâs finding in the case of Comm. v. George Torsilieri that Pennsylvaniaâs Meganâs Law Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) is unconstitutional. Royer…
Read MorePARSOL launches Perspectives Series 10 Days Before SCOPA Hearing
PARSOL Perspectives is a new event series for PARSOL members to learn about important issues facing the PARSOL/PFR community. We are excited to kick it off at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, 2023 — just ten days before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania will be hearing oral arguments for round two of Commonwealth v. Torsilieri in Harrisburg. In anticipation…
Read MorePA’s Task Force on Child Pornography Report Confirms our Beliefs
The Pennsylvania General Assembly passed Act 53 of 2021 on June 30, 2021. Act 53 did two things: It enhanced the sentencing penalty on child pornography; and It established the Task Force on Child Pornography (TFCP). The Task Force’s Recommendations The TFCP was comprised of legislators, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, victim advocates, and psychologists. Together, they examined the sentencing of…
Read MoreUPDATED: PA State Police issues Scam Warning to Megan’s Law PFRs
UPDATE: PARSOL has been made aware that the below scam continues to be pervasive as recently as January 25, 2023. Please be aware of it.
Read MorePARSOL’s Response to Hampton Township Petition; SVP Concerns
[Harrisburg, PA] The Pennsylvania Association for Rational Sexual Offense Laws (PARSOL) believes all sexual abuse is unacceptable and that prevention, treatment, and healing are possible. We take a person-first approach to criminal justice reform that cultivates a fair and just society, honors an individualâs inherent dignity, and promotes respect and fairness. As such, we are compelled to weigh in on…
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