Why the sex offender registry isn’t the right way to punish rapists

There are two parts to any criminal sentence for any crime involving sex. There’s the standard sentence: prison time or probation. As soon as the first sentence ends, the second one begins. After getting released from prison, an ex-offender has to sign up for his state’s sex offender registry. If he moves to another state, he’ll have to sign up there too. Depending on the state and the seriousness of the crime, his name, picture, and information will be publicly listed for all to see — permanently. Full Article

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SD: Letter – Celebrating freedom in the ‘Land of the Free’

As we prepare to stand watching and enjoying “the freedom parade,” with our children and grandchildren, we must think about the many families who are not allowed that privilege as a family. This single group of American citizens have been “labeled” sex offenders and are banished from public events where children are present, even if it means their own children will have to attend “without them.” How do we explain to those children that “our freedom” excludes their loved ones from attending “family” functions because of a poor choice they…

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IL: Little-known registry lists murderers in your town, but is it a good thing?

… But a few strategic keystrokes will lead anyone with internet access to information about _____’s murder conviction, his current address and a recent photo. His is among more than 3,600 names on the Illinois State Police Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry, a tool established in 2012 by state lawmakers at the urging of families of victims. … “I’ve had comments on that already, where people think you’re a sex offender,” _____ said. “I’m not a registered sex offender.” But because of the similarity between the two registries,…

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Janice’s Journal: David Slays Goliath Again

Like the young shepherd who battled the giant Goliath, Major David Ellis slayed Charles Rodrick in federal district court this week. It was Ellis’ second court victory against Rodrick, who is the owner and operator of a series of websites including three websites which identify more than 750,000 American citizens as registered sex offenders regardless of whether they are currently required to register or even dead. Rodrick’s websites at one time required individuals to pay up to $500 to have their name, photo, home address and other personal information removed.…

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