Jessica’s Law Challenged in Calif. Court

A law that was enacted to protect children from sexual predators is set to be reviewed and challenged in the California Supreme Court.  The legislation, called Jessica’s law, makes it illegal for registered sex offenders to live within 2,000 feet of a park or school.

The law was put into affect after Jessica Lunsford, a young Florida girl, was sexually assaulted and killed by John Couey in 2005.  The girl’s killer was a known repeat offender.  Public outrage spurred the law on and included tough provisions like a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison. 42 states enacted the law, with California among them.

In California, the law took effect in Nov 8, 2006 and stipulated that sex offenders must comply with specified domicile restrictions or face further jail time.

Four registered sexual offenders have filed a lawsuit in Berkeley California claiming that the requirement violates the rights of ex cons.  They also claim that the law makes it near impossible to find a place to live.

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