Congress, Courts and Decisions: Federal Ruling Could Change Restrictions for Oklahoma Sex Offenders
5-13-2013 Oklahoma:
A recent ruling in Federal Court could change the way sex offenders are punished. The May 8th ruling decided in favor of the defendant, Charles Goodwin, who was convicted back in 1994 of lewd acts in Illinois.
Goodwin challenged his probationary restrictions that barred him from internet use and won, "He was saying, I shouldn't have to do all of these things," Fox 25 Legal analyst David Slane said. "I think it's the first step in what may be a trend," added Slane.
Right now sex offenders are often given blanket restrictions and rules on where they can live, work and spend time. Slane believes this may soon change, so that the punishment will fit the crime, "If a sex offender did not do something related to the internet for example, you're probably not going to be able to restrict his access to the internet," Slane added, "The courts seem to be saying, in the future, there needs to be a connection between the two, or they are not going to be able to restrict his (or her) access." Slane said this is only applies in federal cases, but unless the Supreme court overturns it, it may soon spread to lower courts. ..Source.. by Mark Taylor
Fox 25 News
