by Anai Rhoads

After a New Jersey girl was kidnapped, raped and killed in 1994, a law created by her parents coined "Megan's Law" was introduced to prevent it from happening to another child. This law allows community residents to know if there are any sex offenders in their neighbourhood.

Although a considerable victory, the internet was excluded from this law. As more and more children log on, parents have become increasingly more worried for their children's safety.

Today the Supreme Court ruled that photographs of sex offenders may be posted online for residents to view. This allows parents the opportunity to know who is really living in their neighbourhood.

The Megan's laws have a wide reach as they cover every state. The Federal government currently holds the national sex offender registry and its statutes. Although the law had not been passed until today, private Information about sex offenders is available online in about three dozen states. The matter of photographs is now the next step. Every three months, the sex offenders are required to report to their local police department. They are to give their current address, phone number, relationship status (marriage, divorce), and if they have registered to vote or bought a car. During their 90 day visit, they are required to have photos taken to provide and up-to-date image for the police records.

The government agreed that although the photographs appear to be an invasion of privacy, they serve as a reminder to the offenders that they cannot hide. Parents are breathing a sigh of relief knowing they are now one step closer to protecting their children.

© Copyright 2003 Anai Rhoads. This written work is protected by international copyright laws. The copyright laws prohibit any copying, redistributing, retransmitting, or repurposing of any copyright protected material. If you are interested in reprinting this article and obtaining proper licenses, please contact the author at anairhoads@anairhoads.org