We are talking about the Minnesota Sex Offender Program, the post-conviction treatment program for convicted offenders that a federal court found unconstitutional this past June. The parties to the class action have now entered the remedies phase. The ruling made it...
Sex Crimes
Changes are gonna come slowly for MSOP
We did not mention it in our June 20 post, but the federal court opinion that found the Minnesota Sex Offender Program unconstitutional is 37 pages long. Even if it is an interesting read, the length may have surprised some: The judge, the Hon. Donovan Frank, made it...
Judge’s ruling considered a win for those committed to Minnesota’s Sex Offender Program
In January, we discussed the growing controversy over Minnesota's handling of individuals who are convicted of sexual offenses and Minnesota's Sex Offender Program. At that time, several convicted sex offenders who were confined to one of the state's two sex offender...
Report details how flawed science was used to send hundreds to prison
In the criminal justice system, prosecutors and defense attorneys often rely upon forensic evidence. Forensic experts are trained to use science to examine evidence and discover truths. However, information uncovered in recent years shows that much of the forensic and...
Constitutionality of penalties imposed on sex offenders called into question
In this blog, we've previously highlighted concerns about the constitutionality of Minnesota's Sex Offender Program. Perhaps more than any other convicted offenders, those convicted of sex crimes face some of the most punitive and intrusive of all penalties. For...
Study links strong genetic component to sex offender behaviors
For decades now, medical researchers have been mapping the human genome and conducting human trials of genetic testing. As a result, today an individual who fears that he or she may develop the same deadly form of cancer as a parent can undergo genetic testing....
Defending against sexual assault charges
From unwanted touching of a sexual nature to attempted rape, when pursing criminal charges, many states classify crimes of a sexual nature under the umbrella term of sexual assault. Depending on the nature of the accusations and ages of involved parties, charges...
Trial questioning constitutionality of Minnesota’s Sex Offender Program to begin next month
Last month, a 50-year-old Minnesota man learned he will be released from the secured facility which he has called home for the last 22 years. While still a teenager, the now 50-year-old man was convicted of "sexually assaulting two women" and was committed to...
The genetics of criminal behavior
In any criminal matter where charges are filed, factors related to evidence, motive and intent must be thoroughly investigated and considered. Professionals like criminologists and psychologists are routinely called upon to investigate criminal activities to determine...
For registered sex offenders, punishment may last a lifetime
A recent article on our website discusses Minnesota's sentencing requirements with regard to sex crimes. Also discussed are the qualifying criteria that make up the three levels of Minnesota's sex offender registry. In Minnesota, frequently individuals who are...