Positive Appellate Court Decision Halted by CA Supreme Court

The California Supreme Court has granted review of the appellate court decision, People v. Tirey, which increased slightly the number of registered citizens eligible to apply for a certificate of rehabilitation. The appellate court’s decision did not, however, change the criteria for who could be granted a certificate. The appellate court decision was issued in November 15, 2013, and was based upon the equal protection clause of the constitution. Because the Supreme Court has granted review, the holding in the Tirey case cannot be used as precedent until that court…

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Felons turn to ‘pardon guy’ to verify that they’re rehabilitated

John Garbin hears from people who say they’ll commit suicide if he doesn’t help them. Because of mistakes they made years ago — criminal mistakes — they can’t get a job, move on with their lives, or escape their tarnished reputations, even though they’ve served their time. “The calls we get are from people who are absolutely desperate,” he said. “We do not live in a forgiving society.” Full Article

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Juvenile rape legislation — ‘Audrie’s Law’ — stirs Capitol debate

SACRAMENTO — When San Jose lawmaker Jim Beall set out earlier this year to strengthen penalties for youths who sexually assault unconscious victims, he expected to win broad support easily. Instead, he ignited a familiar Capitol debate among lawyers, victims and juvenile advocates about whether the justice system’s goal should be punishing or rehabilitating offenders. That debate will be renewed on Tuesday when an Assembly committee will again consider Beall’s bill. Full Article Related: Audrie’s Law goes too far, some legislators insist

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RI: Bill would make businesses rethink hiring sex offenders

The Rhode Island General Assembly passed a bill Friday that would fine certain businesses for knowingly hiring a child sex offender. Target 12 broke the story that prompted action, and now, a new state law is in place to protect children from sexual predators. In the final days of the legislative session, the Alliance for Safe Communities was closely watching its bill about child safe zones. Full Article

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