A group of former sex offenders may continue with their lawsuit, challenging the constitutionality of the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC’s) restrictive policy on internet access for those convicted of sex crimes. A federal district court has ruled that it is premature at this early stage of the litigation to dismiss the lawsuit. Full Article
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This is a winnable case for Registrants. There is precedence for this.
Packingham v. North Carolina is an important case because the United States Supreme Court upheld a decision that SO’s being prohibited from accessing social media websites violated First Amendment Rights.
I hope the Registrants aimed high on their lawsuit because this is the only way the system will change – in the pocketbook!
Take IDOC for all they’re worth! Show them no mercy for they show you none.
Big difference in this case vs a case that covered all registrants. This one, I believe, is about RSOs who are currently in control on the DOC and on parole and/or probation. Huge difference in the latitude given by courts to control people still on supervision.
It will be interesting to see how it works out though.
Since some government entities have started using electronic-only methods of document submission as well as using the internet to post notices, it’s going to become harder and harder to impose a total ban on internet use. That would effectively cut people off from access to their government in those localities.
It’s more than just harder to impose internet ban it’s downright impossible.
So much of people’s lives are integrated into the internet that to do the most basic things like send a resume, contact prospective employers, apply for medical insurance, and vital government services that outright banning SO’s from the web is downright punitive.
Denying Registrants from basic services is interfering with the rehabilitative process of a parolee and IDOC should be held accountable for that.
Let’s hope the courts see it that way too!
So prisoners can access the internet though internet kiosks and tablets but those on parole or probation are banned from using the internet? Facebook has modified their rules and terms of service and now allows people who are incarcerated to open a Facebook account, but registrants who never spent a day in prison are banned from opening a Facebook account?
These paroles will prevail in their lawsuit.
No government should be allowed to use Facecrook. There are so many of them who are posting public safety information on Facecrook and yet some citizens are not allowed to see that information or discuss it. That should be illegal.