Author: FAC Contributor #1

Just published:  A new article by legal scholar Melissa Hamilton spotlights the key role of *scientific evidence* in a ground-breaking 2016 federal appeals court decision known as Doe v. Snyder—and how that holding is already impacting other challenges to draconian sex offense laws. The court’s ruling created much excitement and was heralded by the Washington Post:  Court says Michigan sex

It is now less than one week until the Supreme Court of the United States hears oral arguments in Packingham v. North Carolina. A case that will have significant impact on individual’s First Amendment rights. At issue in the case is; whether, under the court’s First Amendment precedents, a law that makes it a felony for any person on the

Florida’s state lawmakers increasingly are embracing criminal justice reform policies that break with the state’s “tough on crime” past Last year, Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican, and the GOP-controlled legislature approved one of the most far-reaching civil asset forfeiture reforms in the country, repealed a 10-20-life mandatory minimum sentencing law, and expanded health care delivery for mentally ill inmates. Mental health

Oh man!!! here it comes!!! at least they have an opportunity to get off this list. _________ It’s meant to keep pets away from convicted animal abusers in the Sunshine State. If it’s passed, new legislation would require the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to create and maintain a public registry of felony animal abusers by the start of 2018,

The U.S. Sentencing Commission is seeking public comment on proposed amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines. The deadline for public comment is February 20, 2017.  One of the proposed amendments is related to first offenders and alternatives to incarceration. The Commission plays an important role in the sentencing of individuals convicted of federal sex offenses, including possession of child pornography.  Written comments should be sent

Ohio—As a high-profile murder case is unfolding, The Columbus Dispatch ran a surprising story on the front page, “Recidivism for sex offenders low.”  Background:  Just months away from graduation a pretty college student vanished, her dead body found the next day.  Quickly the awful crime became a media sensation.  Police arrested a suspect who was charged with kidnapping, robbery, rape

The following are some new bills filed in the legislature, along with FAC’s position on these bills. SB 286 HB 665 A Bill to be entitled:An act relating to human trafficking education in schools. This bill outlines the inclusion within heath education in schools the information used by those who seek to engage and recruit our youth into human trafficking.

Janice’s Journal: Tiered Registry Bill Could Help More Than 90 Percent of Registrants It has happened at last!  A tiered registry bill has been introduced in the state legislature. Before looking at the substance of the bill (Senate Bill 695), it is important to look at those who are offering and supporting it.  The bill’s authors are two powerful members

Take a guess: What percentage of convicted sex offenders will go on to commit a second sex crime? If you named any figure higher than 5 percent, social science says you’re wrong. But don’t worry, the U.S. Supreme Court doesn’t know the right answer, either. More than 100 court decisions around the country, including from the high court, have cited