Current:Home > ScamsJudge in Michigan strikes down requirement that thousands stay on sex offender registry for life -Blueprint Wealth Network
Judge in Michigan strikes down requirement that thousands stay on sex offender registry for life
View
Date:2025-04-21 16:57:29
DETROIT (AP) — A judge has struck down a key part of Michigan’s sex offender registry requirement that thousands of people stay on the list for life, saying it is unconstitutional.
About 17,000 people who were expecting to be on the registry for 25 years suddenly faced a lifetime sanction after lawmakers amended the law in 2011.
“The state has changed the ‘rules of the game’ after registrants have committed their offenses — a context in which the Constitution has provided express protection,” U.S. District Judge Mark Goldsmith said in his ruling last Friday.
Miriam Aukerman, a lawyer at the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, which has successfully challenged provisions of the sex offender registry in state and federal courts, said it has been “has been driven by fear and not facts” and at an “astronomical cost.”
“It’s a big change. You had a finish line. The Legislature took it away, and the court put it back,” Aukerman said.
In all, about 45,000 people are on the registry. Some whose offenses came after 2011 could still face lifetime registration, depending on their conviction.
There was no immediate response to an email Tuesday seeking comment from the attorney general’s office about Goldsmith’s decision.
The judge also struck down a requirement that people added to the registry since July 2011 must report email addresses or other online profiles.
The state “cannot show that the internet reporting requirements serve any government interest, much less a significant interest,” Goldsmith said.
In July, the Michigan Supreme Court said it was unconstitutional to put someone on the registry for crimes that were not sexual.
___
Follow Ed White at https://twitter.com/edwritez
veryGood! (8)
Related
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- The White Lotus Season 3 Cast Revealed
- Defense Secretary Austin hospitalized due to complications after minor procedure
- Iowa school principal was shot trying to distract shooter so students could flee, his daughter says
- Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
- A competition Chinese chess player says he’s going to court after losing his title over a defecation
- After 16-year restoration, Greece unveils palace where Alexander the Great became king
- Sandra Bullock honors late partner Bryan Randall on his birthday 4 months after his death
- Highlights from Trump’s interview with Time magazine
- A man charged with punching a flight attendant also allegedly kicked a police officer in the groin
Ranking
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- Do 'Home Town' stars Erin, Ben Napier think about retiring? Their answer, and design advice
- USA wins gold medal at world junior championship with victory vs. Sweden
- Golden Gate Bridge has safety nets to prevent jumping deaths after 87 years
- Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
- Another Caitlin Clark triple-double powers No. 3 Iowa women's basketball past Rutgers
- Brian Austin Green Got a Vasectomy After Welcoming Baby With Sharna Burgess
- Sunderland apologizes to its fans for rebranding stadium bar in Newcastle colors for FA Cup game
Recommendation
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Sells Once Every 4 Seconds: Get 50% Off Before It's Gone
Jesse Palmer Rushes Home From Golden Wedding as Wife Emely Fardo Prepares to Give Birth
'White Lotus' Season 3 cast revealed: Parker Posey, Jason Isaacs and more
These Free People Deals Will Jump Start Your Wardrobe for the New Year, Starting at $14
Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
Will there really be more Bills fans than Dolphins fans in Miami on Sunday Night Football?
RIP Jim Gaffigan, by Jim Gaffigan
'Memory': Jessica Chastain didn't want to make a 'Hollywood cupcake movie about dementia'