NJ: Judge - Don't post sex offender data.

December 8, 2001

NJ: Judge - Don't post sex offender data

TRENTON, N.J. — The abduction and murder of 7-year-old Megan Kanka by a convicted sex offender living quietly in her neighborhood enraged parents across the nation. Seven years later, more than two dozen states have Internet registry laws to let neighbors know when a sex offender moves in.

But in New Jersey, where the original Megan's Law was passed, a judge ruled Friday that posting those sex offenders' addresses violates their privacy.

The ruling undercuts a constitutional amendment overwhelmingly passed last year by New Jersey voters to let the state post offenders' addresses, physical descriptions and criminal histories. The amendment had been aimed at getting around other court restrictions placed on the 1994 Megan's Law.

"I think it almost renders it useless," said state Sen. Peter Inverso, a Republican who pushed for the original Megan's Law.

The amendment was challenged by the American Civil Liberties Union and the public defender's office, who said it allowed the state to broadcast what federal courts have said is confidential information.

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Source: © 2001 TampaBayLive.com