Maybe Hollywood culture has impassioned us too much. We expect loud murmurings and banging from a gavel to restore order when we envision courtroom scenes. Largely, we expect drama, especially when it comes to sex crimes. The reality is that it is a subdued affair. At least it was this morning. There was a small and quiet crowd in the Supreme Court of Ohio this morning. Overall, it was a feeling of intrigue as the Court heard an important paradox of a question.
When is a sex offender not a sex offender? Full Article
Here’s the video link to yesterday’s Ohio Supreme Court oral arguments:
http://www.ohiochannel.org/UserContent/108407/146024.mp4
Well, it sounds like the Ohio justices do not agree with the U.S. justices!
Thanks for providing the video.
These are the kind of decisions that start to underpin the future re-examination of the registry as what it is, punitive. I love that no one mentioned Price Club!
“The State’s Attorney argued …. Automatic registration does not equate cruel and unusual punishment. However, the State’s Attorney, when pressed by the Court, agreed the laws can be restrictive and punitive.”
Wow! The State Attorney actually conceded this?! Great!
*fingers crossed for a favorable outcome that concedes the concept of registration as punishment*
If voted favorably in the case of the petitioner, this could set a precedent for a federal case. Please keep us updated on what the Ohio supreme court decides.
If you haven’t watched it yet, this is incredible. These justices really hand it to the AG, and lend a hand to the appellant’s attorney. Good vibes – the Chief Justice even throws SCOTUS under the bus.
The judges are asking all the right questions and registration SHOULD be on a case by case basis, specifically reserved for the SVP’s who can’t control themselves.
The fact that the CASOMB report has said that someone on the registry 17 years offense free has an equal chance of offending as joe citizen could be the basis for a similar suit.
Do we have an 8th amendment argument also? Shouldn’t every one be on the list then?
Love this video it gives me hope that there is actually some sane people in these justices. The constitution may yet prevail if more judges do their job and protect it from over zealous law makers out to destroy it for their own personal gain.