Court erases conviction of man in sex offender registry case
DETROIT (AP) — The Michigan Supreme Court threw out out the conviction of a man who was accused of failing to register under an old version of the state's sex offender registry.
The court became the latest to declare that the 2011 law was unconstitutional when applied retroactively to certain offenders.
The Legislature last year revised the law after two federal courts said the 2011 version was unconstitutional, though critics contend the new edition isn't much better.
"It still requires registration of virtually everybody who was on the registry," said attorney Miriam Aukerman of the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, which has called for registry reform. "There's a lack of individual consideration."
The Supreme Court said the 2011 law was unconstitutional because it increased the punishment for a crime that was already committed.
The Muskegon County prosecutor accused Paul Betts of failing to report his change of residence, email address and the purchase of a vehicle in a timely manner. Betts was convicted of second-degree criminal sexual conduct in 1993, before the registry was created.
The 2011 law "bears significant resemblance to the traditional punishments of banishment, shaming and parole because of its limitations on residency and employment, publication of information and encouragement of social ostracism, and imposition of significant state supervision," Justice Elizabeth Clement wrote Tuesday.
Betts' attorney, Jessica Zimbelman, said the court's view that the law was illegal punishment was significant.
"It will matter moving forward as people continue to challenge the 2020 (law), which contains many of the same features," she said.
The new law lifted restrictions on living near schools and attending school events. But it still requires offenders to report personal information for years. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the law despite opposition from the ACLU and others.
36th District Court to hold vaccination event for employees July 30
In collaboration with the City of Detroit Health Department, the 36th District Court will make COVID-19 vaccinations and educational materials available for employees and their families directly at the courthouse on Friday, July 30.
The Pfizer vaccine will be administered to any interested employee and accompanying family members aged 12 and older. The second dose is also scheduled to be provided at the court on Friday, August 20.
“Vaccinations are proven to reduce both the severity and spread of COVID-19,” said Chief Judge William C. McConico. “They are our best line of defense, and our direct route to emerging from this pandemic. I have made it my highest priority to ensure that all employed by the court have been able to receive these life-saving shots at every opportunity. Adding the convenience of a walk-in clinic at the workplace, as well as expanding access for family members, is the next step in our mission to fully vaccinate and protect our entire Court family.”
For further updates and information, please visit the Court’s website at www.36thdistrictcourt.org.
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