MySpace Won't Provide Sex Offenders' Names

Social Networking Site Says It Won't Comply With Request From State Attorneys General

(AP)  Citing federal privacy law, MySpace.com said Tuesday it won't comply with a request by attorneys general from eight states to hand over the names of registered sex offenders who use the social networking Web site.

MySpace's chief security officer said the company regularly discloses information to law enforcement officials but said the federal Electronic Communications Privacy Act says it can only do so when proper legal processes are followed.

"We're truly disheartened that the AGs chose to send out a letter ... when there was an existing legal process that could have been followed," the security officer, Hemanshu Nigam, said in an interview.

In a letter Monday, attorneys general from North Carolina, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Ohio and Pennsylvania asked MySpace to provide the number of registered sex offenders using the site and where they live.

Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal on Tuesday blasted MySpace for refusing to share the information and said no subpoena is needed for MySpace to tell the attorneys general how many registered sex offenders use the site "or other information relating to possible parole violations."

"I am deeply disappointed and troubled by this unreasonable and unfounded rejection of our request for critical information about convicted sex offenders whose profiles are on MySpace," Blumenthal said. "By refusing this information, MySpace is precluding effective enforcement of parole and probation restrictions that safeguard society."

North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper echoed the sentiment, saying "it's sad that MySpace is going to protect the privacy of sex offenders over the safety of children."

Nigam said MySpace is serious about identifying and removing sex offenders from its Web site and wants to work with the attorneys general.

"Everybody needs to get together and delete online predators," Nigam said, adding that MySpace supports state and federal legislation requiring sex offenders to register e-mail addresses. "The attorneys' general concerns and our concerns are exactly the same."

In December, MySpace announced it was partnering with Sentinel Tech Holding Corp. to build a database with information on sex offenders in the United States.

Software to identify and remove sex offenders from the site has been used for 12 days, and MySpace has "removed every registered sex offender that we identified out of our more than 175 million profiles," Nigam said.

It is also working with Sentinel to share the sex offender database and technology with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which works directly with law enforcement officials, Nigam said.

Christian Genetski, an attorney who has represented MySpace, said the Electronic Communications Privacy Act requires subpoenas, court orders or search warrants, depending on the information sought.

"It's a clearly defined law that most providers and prosecutors understand and work with on a daily basis," said Genetski, who covers information security and Internet enforcement at a firm in Washington, D.C. "My understanding is (the attorneys general) want the private personal information, and that's clearly the information the ECPA protects."

Blumenthal said will be aggressive in their pursuit of the information.

"We will take ...forceful action, including subpoenas if necessary to protect children," Blumenthal said.

MySpace, which is owned by News Corp., and other social networking sites allow users to create online profiles with photos, music and personal information, including hometowns and education. Users can send messages to one another and, in many cases, browse other profiles.

MySpace's policy prevents children under 14 from setting up profiles, but it relies on users to specify their ages.

[vet999999]

MYSPACE should be shut down..PERIOD
Posted by FARTKNOCKER2 at 04:15 PM : May 16, 2007

I AGREE.

[djberson]

No they shouldn't.

[jennmarie620]

"We will take ...forceful action, including subpoenas if necessary to protect children," Blumenthal said.
_________________________

That is EXACTLY what Myspace is saying they should do! The ECPA is a law, and if Myspace violates it any action taken upon information given to the attorney general will be overturned by the courts. Don't they understand that Myspace wants it all to go through the proper legal channels so that when *** offenders are caught violating parole/probation, they can be punished to the fullest extent?

[billpl-2009]

Shutdown MySpace? ***?
Try closing down shopping malls, city parks, sports arenas, movie theatres, Starbucks, state beaches and all the other places s-xoffenders can go without identifying themselves.

you people are idiots as well as the AG's for trying to pull off such a ridiculous stunt.

[linfinster]

Jen is right! I hope they get those perps!

[canyoutellme-2009]

Uh, people... just like jennmarie620 said... there are LEGAL processes that have to take place. If Myspace gave the AGs what they asked for, then if ANY of those offenders are caught, they may be let to go free because MYSPACE and the AGs would have VIOLATED THE LAW! Kudos to Myspace for complying with *LAW*. If you don't like the law, then change it... until then, abide by it.

[kevsan1]

Most attorney generals are morons anymore. Goes the same for most people we elect these days.

[docadams3]

The Attorneys General who signed the letters should be disbarred for sheer incompetence. MySpace is right on this one. I wouldn't want my identity released just because some elected official makes a request for the names and addreses of hard-headed citizens.

Shutting down MTV and most cable companies would be more effective and practical. Unplugging the computers would work too.

How would MySpace know who the *** offenders are anyway? It's easy to set up a bogus account. People need to see what their kids are doing and MySpace shouldn't have to be a mommy or daddy to the world. Don't take your kids to the bar if you don't want them drinking, so don't have them surf alone. Online privacy for teens is asking for trouble. Some family fights are worth having.

[bobgee_1999]

"It's sad that MySpace is going to protect the privacy of *** offenders over the safety of children."

-North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper

Yes, it's sad that Americans don't just knuckle under and kiss the government's fascist @ss every time it tries to whittle down our civil rights a little more. And you morons that are saying MySpace is the bad guy are the same people that have swallowed the lie that the ACLU is evil. You people claim to love and defend America, but you don't respect the only thing that sets it apart, which is protections of the Constitution. If the Constitution is to have any meaning must be upheld ALL THE TIME, it can't just be ignored when you get frightened of terrorists, *** offenders, communists or boogiemen. That's how it works. Love It or Leave It.

[lawandorder6]

No it is not SAD, If they the Gove. gets this what else will they try and get. Think people, think, you could be next. You fools.

[sugarmice-2009]

MySpace - some want it shut down = even the goverment is banning our soldiers from using it to converse with their families.. BUT we must remember THAT if a law is broken, there are consequences... so MySpace is only doing what is legal. I wish there was an easy way to identify these scumbags, but there isn't. Unless all that are listed as offenders have monitoring chips implanted. IF these lawyers would obey the law and do things legally than MySpace would have complied BUT when you try and bulk the system because you feel you are above the law- you don't get everything you want.
It's up to the parents to monitor their children and try and make sure they are not giving out information. NO child should be on the computer after 9:00 at night if you are under the age of 16. Too bad - there are curfews and too many parents don't monitor this. It's up to the parents IF they feel their kid is going to far on My Space or any other space to shut their computer down and it's taboo until the kid learns. Parents need to be held responsible for what their kids do and say ... that's the way it's always been

I think myspace made the right decision. it's clear that the AG just wants myspace to do the footwork for them instead of putting in the effort themselves. Myspace can't do anymore that it already is to protect children (and we're *** lucky a company actually decided to do that much)

[vet999999]

You people are beyond belief. You are telling me that a CONVICTED CHILD rapist, abuser, molester has RIGHTS?

GOd help us all

[jdubs63]

TO BOBGEE_1999 puke

[jdubs63]

Well said sugarmice.... thanks

[hypnotoad72]

Mr. Murdoch, please reconsider.

Isn't Rupert Murdoch the owner of myspace? Why is he doing a Cam'ron and not doing society a favor and hiding the names of *** offenders, who doubtlessly use myspace to find children to sexually offend? They did it once, letting the world know about them only helps assure they won't do it again.

This isn't your average website. There are times when hiding such information isn't wrong, I agree. But this is myspace; a place kids often go. That makes this a different situation entirely.

Finally, I was... sexually abused as a child. I do not want to see other children hurt by such filthy monsters. Mr. Murdoch is giving them free passage and you bet I'm angry. He is wrong in this instance. *** offenders, on a site that children frequently visit and may be lured, really should be pointed out. I'm sorry.

[hypnotoad72]

Oh, the *** word in my OP was "s e x".

[sugarmice-2009]

hypnotoad72 - first sorry for your past and hope you have obtained the support to help you through it...
Mr Murdoch does not own MySpace BUT you don't know who the abusers are out there... someone may be just flirting with danger to see what kind of response they will get - doesn't mean they are going to act out. There are those though that are guilty BUT with the ability to use ficticious logons - no one knows who anyone is out there. Offenders should be punished - BUT (and I agree they have or shouldn't have rights) BUT if someone is convicted and has served their time... not a helllll of alot we can do about it other than keep pounding into our children the dangers of strangers. Again, it's the parents responsibility to watch and teach and set a good example - and if it means teaching them to "rat" on an uncle, aunt or any relative than so be it. But we as parents need to step up to bat and start being a little more strict with our children and take on the responsibility of being a parent

[ssporleder]

They will sing a different tune when one of thier own children are the victims!

[liberate40]

If you don't want your sweet, innocent kids to be "preyed' upon by ex-cons, don't let your kids join MySpace in the first place. Round up all the *** offenders in tis country and send them to Iraqi prisons to be tortured.

[mdc76082]

Screw MySpace and the rest of those child predator lairs. Just pull-out the "Homeland Security" or "Patriot Act" card on them. Round up all the child predators. Shoot'em all. Let God sort'em out. And go on with life. Afterall, is a child predator worth anything?? Dah, nope. Oh what a wonderful life this would be without pedo's!

[nothappyatall]

"Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal on Tuesday blasted MySpace for refusing to share the information and said no subpoena is needed for MySpace to tell the attorneys general how many registered *** offenders use the site "or other information relating to possible parole violations."


AU contraire RIchard dearest, legally you DO need a court order or supoena but I guess being brainwashed by the Bush regime into thinking you can just ask for personal information and get it from any company (who can be SUED for violating people's privacy, especially if they make a mistake and ID the WRONG person) makes you think you can just demand whatever without a COURT ORDER.
I say follow the LAW Mr attorney general and get a court order or take a hike!

I laugh that anyone would be stupid enough to use ANY real information at all to sign up for on-line services, maybe half the i nformation is bogus to begin with.

[cantshutup]

GO MYSPACE!!! Yeah, it sucks when the government has to abide by the law!!! Sounds like myspace HAS been cooperating...won't be long before we all get strong-armed by the bushinistas...F P H L U C K those bushite fascists!!! Guess what? Don't let your brats on myspace...! Chris Wallace could find the child predators! bushinistas are prolly trolling right along with the other preverts...NEW TRUE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[winnerindia]

I believe that the intelligence agencies and those agencies which have something to do with law enforcement and control must be with enough privileges to altogether ban websites like myspace. I also give you an example of software which are available today. There are software which are used to change your IP address and such software are very cheap. You can buy it, and I can buy it too. The problem is that any person with wrong intentions will buy it and use it and hence can not be traced/located online. In one minute, you can change your IP address 100 times!

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Security/Security-Related/Hide-IP-Platinum.shtml

I have requested many times authorities to make some law and ban such software for public use, but who cares!!!!!

[phydeux1]

I applaud MySpace for putting the law before politicians using public vengeance to buy their re-election! Even those convicted of a past crime have rights like the rest of us once they serve their sentence. Plus there's all sorts of flaws in their arguments.

What about those who aren't on probation or parole?

What about parents monitoring their child's activities instead of making MySpace the parent?

What about just turning off the internet or access to certain sites if you don't like what's on them? This is like turning on adult movies on cable then complaining there's nudity!

There's enough "*** offender" laws on the books that are the product of fear, rushing to action, and lawmakers riding the wave of public outcry. Now we just need to make them fairer and more effective by only focusing on those who pose a real risk.

[glidescube]

They will sing a different tune when one of thier own children are the victims!


That is not the issue. The real problem is the DAs and state AGs that are more concerned of staying in office and winning votes than actually protecting us and doing their f'ing job. And quite frankly MySpace should be off limits to those under 16.

[abigail4476]

First of all, CHILDREN shouldn't be using MySpace in the first place. Secondly, I'm leary of the sexual offender "lists", since they contain people who, in my opinion, shouldn't be there. (Such as 18 year old boys who had consensual *** with 17 year old girls[statutory rape in our state] or men who peed in a park and happened to be seen by some Puritanical hysterical idiot[indecent exposure]).

When the sexual offender laws become real and effective and reasonable and constitutional, they will be treated with the respect they deserve. When they are used by politicians to make a "statement" simply to further their career...well, I really can understand the reluctance to cooperate.

(And just in case anyone is wondering...I DON'T support pedophilia or rape or any other kind of sexual violence...so if you were thinking of derailing the conversation by drawing stupid conclusions from my post...point it elsewhere.)

[bellal-2009]

Quote

"It's sad that MySpace is going to protect the privacy of *** offenders over the safety of children."

North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper

Unbelievable.

Myspace never said they wouldn't try to get rid of the predators, the objection was in the AG offices getting swelled heads and thinking that going TELL ME THE NAMES is going to work. WIthout due process, the information would be thrown out in a suit anyway. They ought to be thanking Myspace for that.

Parents have to do the parenting. In the end, no one else can, no matter how many companies you complain to.

[norshatakaha]

One of my girlfriends has to register as an offender for earning beads on St. Patricks Day in Savannah, bless her heart. We were only having fun. Luckily I wasnt caught or I would have to give up my My Space page.

[dellislopez]

How's this for sensationalism? If MySpace turns anything over without due process, any evidence found through that avenue can be thrown out. To try to cast MySpace in an "Oh NOES thay R da BAD GIES!" is just plain dumb.

Any personalized webpage requires a certain amount of personal responsibility. MySpace does a lot to protect people from themselves, but ultimately, it's not their job. Their stance on this is admirable and completely right in the realm of real justice.

If MySpace profiles are going to be used to bust a creep, they need to be used RIGHT.

[dellislopez]

How's this for sensationalism? If MySpace turns anything over without due process, any evidence found through that avenue can be thrown out. To try to cast MySpace in an "Oh NOES thay R da BAD GIES!" is just plain dumb.

Any personalized webpage requires a certain amount of personal responsibility. MySpace does a lot to protect people from themselves, but ultimately, it's not their job. Their stance on this is admirable and completely right in the realm of real justice.

If MySpace profiles are going to be used to bust a creep, they need to be used RIGHT.

[dellislopez]

How's this for sensationalism? If MySpace turns anything over without due process, any evidence found through that avenue can be thrown out. To try to cast MySpace in an "Oh NOES thay R da BAD GIES!" is just plain dumb.

Any personalized webpage requires a certain amount of personal responsibility. MySpace does a lot to protect people from themselves, but ultimately, it's not their job. Their stance on this is admirable and completely right in the realm of real justice.

If MySpace profiles are going to be used to bust a creep, they need to be used RIGHT.

[Renegade.Rivers]

I find it so hard to believe, that so many are so willing to give up someone else's rights. Does freedom, and liberty, and justice for all not mean anything anymore? If you are willing to give up someone else's rights, how long do you think it will be before some one else will be willing to give yours up? By all accounts that should be seen as the first step in creating a monster with a never ending appetite. Oh, I know that it's terrible what some people will do to children, but lets face it, not nearly all of them are on the internet. Also, what about wrong names, mistaken identities, and all the other mistakes made by the lynching mobs of old. Isn't that why we have the laws we do? Not to just protect some, but all. When a citizen pays his price to society he deserves the same chances as anyone else, which means freedom, justice, and liberty. If we are to be a law abiding country, then all deserve, and must be able to secure the same equal treatment under the law.

[fascistusa]

renrivers

Truth, Justice, and all that Jazz...

left America as we turned from Democratic Republic to FASCIST TYRANNY.

get out your copies of 1984 Orwell, It Can't Happen Here, and Fahrenheit 451.

IT HAS HAPPENED HERE, G*O*D*D*A*M*N IT!!!

[mcvet]

It's sad that MySpace is going to protect the privacy of *** offenders over the safety of children."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper

Southern Nazi's are truly unbelievable. This low life, who probably was lynching blacks a few years ago, doesn't want to follow the rules but instead does what Southern Fascist have been doing since ink met paper for the Constitution, making them up as they go along.

[Ed0719]

All you people so willing to trash the Constitution, how about a rule that says if you have children in your household, your home can be entered and searched at any time by any government official/police. You know, they need to make sure you don't have anything that could harm the children. And even single people with no children, if there are children living next door, let the police search your home at any time, too. Can't be too careful, now, can we?

Ignorant fascist people who trash the Constitution don't deserve to be called Americans, and they definitely don't deserve to be citizens of the USA.

[phoenix1218]

One of my girlfriends has to register as an offender for earning beads on St. Patricks Day in Savannah... Posted by NorshaTakaha

WIthout due process, the information would be thrown out in a suit anyway. They ought to be thanking Myspace for that. Parents have to do the parenting. In the end, no one else can, no matter how many companies you complain to.
Posted by Coaster26

You can become a S.O. (s. offender) by making out with a bf/gf in a park, something assanine like that could cause it.
I agree with Coaster, MySpace is doing a service by NOT releasing the info because due process is warranted in this situation AND parents need to do that parenting NOT big brother. And Besides, I did a paper on the new laws people are trying to pass against SO's and a SO MUST register with their local police, have pic taken, give address, phone #, work #/address and list any email or wed page they may have (MySpace, Yahoo) and they must list any online groups they belong too as well. So why doesn't the government just talk to all the police stations?

[phoenix1218]

There's enough "*** offender" laws on the books that are the product of fear, rushing to action, and lawmakers riding the wave of public outcry. Now we just need to make them fairer and more effective by only focusing on those who pose a real risk. Posted by phydeux1

Did you all realize that some places, like marlborough, MA and palces in Florida are trying to make it SO difficult for SO's to live anywhere that some SO's in Florida received permission to live under bridges because there were n o legal apartments they could live in. Do you fell safer that way? In Marlborough, MA the mayor vetoed a bill that would have banned SO's from living in 95% of the city. She wants to revise the bill then put it up again. I would rather know where they are then where they are not. If they are homeless then create a special shelter.

[vmcneal2]

NorshaTakaha..You and your friend may not be *** offenders but you should register as stupid people if you showed your breast for some cheap beads.

[vdtd-2009]

Clearly, very few, if none, of you have children. Do you not think that the AGs KNOW what the law is? Something's going on behind the scenes b/w AGs & MySpace -to which we're not privy. This is NOT about parenting. It's an attempt to keep released SO's who don't follow the rules in check. Your kids can be doing e/t right, & these monsters will STILL get to them. Remember little Samantha Runion in CA -a 5yo who was ***ually abused & murdered? Remember J.Couey, who just got death for raping & killing little Jessica by burying her alive in FL? Did he follow SO rules of release? NO. And you all want to protect his freedoms? Pathetic. What if it was your little sister he did this to? Or your niece? The SO's have caused themselves to have limited freedoms b/c of what THEY did & were convicted of. Quit complaining that SO's are getting a bum deal on their const. rights. Are you kidding? THEY%u2019re the ones who broke the law. THEY%u2019re the ones who must have restrictions placed on their freedoms b/c THEY f'ed up. And no, we're not talking about 2 teens in a park; we're talking about real SOs. Let the AGs & MySpace duke it out. In time, the AGs will get the info they want & need in order to attempt to monitor these animals. Quit harping on the politics of it all & think about what's trying to be accomplished here. Remember, the SO's are the criminals -NOT the victims!! Ever heard of victims' rights?

[mottasa-2009]

This is a very interesting dilemna.

On one hand, the government could monitor predators

However, on the other hand, they would also monitor a lot of others in the process.

I am all for protecting children. Parents really need to monitor myspace anyway with a product such as PC Pandora or similar. I am glad that myspace is sticking to their guns, because historically, when the Government is allowed to intrude they tend to leave a large footprint. My experience with myspace with my own children, has been not so much with predators, but more with malicious code, spyware and keyloggers. MySpace is FULL of malicious software in almost any photo, or file that you click.

[infidel_us]

It would probably voilate some election law as 90% of the SO's will be DEMOCRATS!

[vdtd-2009]

To DfndLiberty: I'm glad that you're so sure you know what the intentions of big bad government are with respect to this issue. Give me a break. Your civil liberties are just being so abused, you must feel like you're suffocating all the time with big brother constantly scheming behind your back. Get a grip. There are such things as bad guys out there, and first and foremost you and only you are responsible for your safety. But when it comes down to ways in which we cannot protect ourselves, we pay taxes so that others can. If you don't need that kind of help, tell the police that you won't be needing them anymore next time you get robbed. Or the next time one of your family members gets car-jacked. And I say good for the Brits and CCTV. But according to you, they too must be suffocating because their freedoms have been so compromised by their gov. How ironic, that you take the two most free nations in the world and compare them to a "police state." Move to North Korea and see how much you like it. You just don't get it - and I would bet money you don't have children.

[sclaires]

I, for one, do not see anything wrong with the Attorney Generals wanting to know the *** offenders who are using MySpace. After all, the *** offenders gave up a lot of their rights when they committed the offense(s) they were convicted of. I know I would want to know if any *** offender was living close to me and if I had any children, I would want to know if they were corresponding with any *** offender.

[nana314-2009]

To me if you are not telling the public who the *** offender is, it is almost like saying "were looking for a 6 foot male who's got curly hair and brown eyes but were not going to tell you what else he looks like or his name or where you may find him. Be on the look out because he may be lurking around your neighborhood." If you know there's a problem and you dont ask anybody for help, how are you to solve that problem? Either names should be given or atleast the location of the person in question so that people are atleast able to tell whether they're in a the worst situation or if they can relax.

[phydeux1]

"If they are homeless then create a special shelter." -- Phoenix128 -- That wouldn't work as it would be a violation of the terms of their parole in most states as SO's are not allowed to cohabitate or associate. "Ever heard of victims' rights?" -- VTDT -- Yes, victim's rights is the banner under which people stand while stripping the rights of those they deem undesirable. And who are you to say all those labeled as an SO are as much a threat as J. Couey? Are you as much of a threat going 70mph in a 65 zone as the drunk fool going 120? No. But by your logic we should treat you as just as vile a criminal as the drunk driver and strip you of your rights for it. That's not justice, that's vengeance. Oh, and here's a factoid for you, the vast majority of S.Offenders ARE PARENTS! They prey upon their own children. Offenses by strangers are in the minority, but are reported more often because families keep it hushed. Once again, the internet and MySpace are services, and its up to parents to make sure their children don't abuse and aren't abused by those services. Oh, and lets not even MENTION the teenage girls who actively PURSUE adult men for *** because its a thrill. Yeah, they're out there folks, and they're what scare me most.

[phydeux1]

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin

People such as VDTD scare me because they're quite happy as long as its OTHER people's rights that get stripped away little by little.

"After all, the *** offenders gave up a lot of their rights when they committed the offense(s) they were convicted of." -- sclaires

Really? So they don't regain their rights once they've completed their sentence and repaid their debt to society as the courts who represent the interests of the people have ordered? Must be nice that you can choose who DESERVES to have their Constitutional rights abolished and who doesn't. Do you feel any safer for it? Probably not. Would you feel safer knowing that you're in the room when your kids are on the computer? Probably.

People need to stop telling the government to poke its nose into everyone else's business and start minding their own. If you raise your children to have some sense, keep an eye on what they do and who they hang out with, then you're keeping them safe. Take care of your home, your children, and your safety, and you won't have to worry about what everyone else is doing.

[vdtd-2009]

To: phydeux1 at 07:25 PM : May 17, 2007

You said, "Must be nice that you can choose who DESERVES to have their constitutional rights abolished & who doesn't." Excuse me, but a conv. felon upon release from prison, under the LAW (depending on the state) absolutely loses some of their civil rights. We don't pick & "choose" this; the felon has "chosen" to have their civil rights stripped when they committed the felony. In some states, the convicted felon, incl. the SOs, lose their right to vote, sit on a jury or engage in a state-licensed occupation. Most felons convicted of serious crimes must wait 5 years to have those rights restored, a waiting prd to determine if felons are truly rehabilitated or still leading a life of crime. So your critique, not surprisingly, is flawed.

You also said, "And who are you to say all those labeled as an SO are as much a threat as J. Couey?" Umm, wrong. I don't know where you got that from, but (& here we go again), it's not for ME or YOU to decide -the courts decide & render the punishment!

You are naive to think that if parents simply rear their children properly & stop depending on the gov, then they will be safe. What world are you living in? So, using your logic, harm befalls children ONLY if their parents didn't teach them well. Couey broke into J's home in the mid. of the night & took her. Was that her daddy's fault b/c he didn't raise her right & b/c he depended on gov. to keep her safe? You need to wake up to reality.

[phydeux1]

No, I said that its not only the parents' job to teach their kids right, but also TO MONITOR and actively PROTECT their kids.

So yes, I think there could have been more done to stop something like that from happening. Alarms on the windows, or at least a piece of broomstick in the track at night. All sorts of safety measures could have been taken and apparently weren't there.

Keeping your home safe for your children is a parent's responsibility. The government's job is only to deal with the aftermath when that's enough.

As for a convicted felon's rights, yes, some states have stricter guidelines than others. But what about all these mounting restrictions on where an SO can live? work? pass their free time? shop? etc? These laws are just painting SO's into a corner where they can't live anywhere, can't get a job, and can't form ties to the community, even if they really want to fit back into society. So is it any wonder they end up back in prison because they violated their parole by not having a home or job?

If you're going to let people out of jail you HAVE to at least give them an opportunity to reintegrate into society. Otherwise, what's the point of having a prison system and not just a dungeon system?