February 28, 2008
Sex offender laws beyond an easy fix
Boston Herald Editorial

Lawmakers will meet today to discuss a slew of bills dealing with serial sex offenders - timely, given recent, stomach-turning events. But we mustn’t be lulled into believing that if we simply muster enough “aye” votes on Beacon Hill it will rid our society of sickos that repeatedly flout the law.

That isn’t to say some pending legislation isn’t worth a closer look.

A bill backed by Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone would allow prosecutors to request a jury trial when they petition to have a convicted sex offender held beyond his original sentence.

In recent high-profile cases it was a judge who made the call - and it was the wrong call. Supporters believe the change would discourage defense counsel from “judge-shopping” and give a voice to the community forced to live alongside the offender.