Should we show compassion?
The story of a couple who were found dead inside of a tent at a homeless encampment has led to questions in the community: What rights does a twice-convicted sex…
MA: Sex offenders have access to kids on Halloween
[bostonherald.com - 10/7/18] Sex offenders are forbidden under state law from driving an ice cream truck, but they can hand out all the candy they want on Halloween in what…
MA: The Case for Dismantling the Sex Offender Registry with Dr. Emily Horowitz [presentation]
[sopri-ma.org - 10/25/18] with Dr. Emily Horowitz, author of Protecting Our Kids? How Sex Offender Laws are Failing Us Thursday, October 25 @ 7pm Cambridge Friends Center, 5 Longfellow Park…
MA: Court Recognizes Harm to Registrants, Rules in Their Favor
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Council, the state's supreme court, has ruled in favor of registrants who were trying either to terminate their duty to register or to change the tier…
MA: Court: Board needs proof in sex offender reclassification
[thesunchronicle.com - 8/1/18] BOSTON (AP) — The Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board has the burden of proof when determining whether a sex offender should not be moved to a less…
MA: Board wants Cosby deemed a sexually violent predator
[bostonherald.com - 7/25/18] Disgraced comic icon Bill Cosby will have to register as a sex offender in Massachusetts if he returns to his sprawling Shelburne Falls estate — and state…
MA: Changing sex offender law needs to be evidence-based
Massachusetts is hardly soft on sex offenders, being one of only 20 states and the District of Columbia that incarcerate people convicted of sex offenses after they’ve completed their criminal…
MA: Child Rapist Bill Triggers Debate Over Punishment, Process
[wbur.org - 6/27/18] Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito appealed to lawmakers Tuesday for new sentencing and civil commitment laws targeting repeat child rapists, but opponents of Gov. Charlie Baker's bill argued…
MA: Psychologist said serial rapist was not dangerous
[eagletribune.com - 6/13/18] A psychologist who has spoken on behalf of child rapist Wayne Chapman was also hired as an expert in a 2012 case involving the potential release of…
MA: Can there be life after civil commitment?
[narsol.org - 6/15/18] By Sandy . . . Over forty years ago, Wayne Chapman was convicted of raping two boys. He claimed to have had as many as a hundred…
MA: Victims’ advocate wants psychologists charged if sex offenders repeat
[bostonherald.com 6/3/18] A leading victims advocate wants state-appointed psychologists who declare sex offenders can be released from prison held accountable if the predators strike again. Jennifer Lane, president of Community…
MA: From the Capitol: Democrats reject common sense fixes
[journalstandard.com 4/20/18] This last week in Springfield has me thinking about common sense more and more. Democrats on the Judiciary Committee have run roughshod over what I believe are common…
MA: The New Sex Ed: What Young People Need to Know About Sex Laws
[Keren Goldenberg at kgdefenselaw.com] Like everyone else living in New England, I could not avoid the exhaustive media coverage of the St. Paul School rape trial. From a legal perspective,…
MA: Sex offender registry changes sought
The lowest level of convicted sex offenders would be required to register with local police and face increased scrutiny under plans to expand the state’s registry. A proposal by Senate…
MA: Westfield officials hesitant to repeal sex offender ordinance despite high court ruling
One resident and several councilors spoke out against repealing the city's sex offender ordinance Thursday at the Westfield City Council meeting. The ordinance restricts where registered sex offenders may live…
MA: Westfield moves to repeal unconstitutional sex offender ordinance
[masslive.com] By Hope E. Tremblay Special to The Republican WESTFIELD - The City Council's legislative and ordinance subcommittee Thursday took the first step toward repealing a local ordinance that unconstitutionally…
MA: Lawmakers consider shining light on secret sex offenders
Secret sex offenders could soon be forced out of the shadows in Massachusetts. The state considers Level 1 sex offenders a low risk to re-offend so information about them is…
MA: Tracking Sex Offenders: Chelsea PD first in state to try new tool
[Boston 25 News] The Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board is under scrutiny for losing track of hundreds of sex offenders. Just last month, the state auditor testified on Beacon Hill…