NV- Upcoming court challenge sparks debate between sex offenders and neighbors

8-27-2008 Nevada:

Two high-risk sex offenders have recently registered with Reno police and it's sparked debate on an upcoming court challenge between neighbors and the offenders and their rights.

Nevada was among the first to pass laws that would allow the state to post on the internet the names, photos, home and work addresses and vehicle descriptions of offenders who've served probation or prison sentences on convictions as far back as 1956.

Some advocates say sex offenders have rights too and it's wrong to lump those guilty of minor offenses with the worst offenders.

The advocates say the laws don't provide public safety and only demonize a particular group but the Deputy State Attorney General says the system is based on convictions. He says informing the public of a true fact is not considered punishment.

"Having the knowledge and knowing how to protect your children is of the utmost importance by notifying the community of who lives in their area that has potential to reoffend which tier 3 offenders do,"

Sex offender laws in Nevada are set to face a court challenge Sept., 20. ..News Source.. by News 4