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Proposed CA Bill Would Create Domestic Offender Database
AMuse writes "The Ledger brings us a New York Times report that a newly proposed bill would create a web-searchable database of persons convicted of domestic violence. Fiona Ma, the bill's author, claims: 'If you're online, Googling and looking for information on someone you met in a bar or on MySpace, this would provide a tool for people to go and look to see if someone who is suspicious and a little creepy has a history of violence.' Is this evidence that the opponents of Megan's Law are correct, and sooner or later all of one's run-ins with the law will be searchable by the public?"
In "City By The Sea", there's a scene where Robert De Niro's character is layout out his history to his new girlfriend. He was married, but is now divorced, and has a son who hates him because his ex-wife has "done a number on him". Among other things, she calls him a wife beater. He explains that he "lost control" once, and that was the day he decided they needed to get divorced. There's never an excuse to beat up on a woman, but there's a difference between a habitual wife beater and someone who falls victim to their rage, recognizes there is a problem and gets the hell out. Domestic violence laws don't take that stuff into account.. and that's the problem with profiling people.
How we know is more important than what we know.
I think the Megan's law thing is great and all but it probably needs to stop there. I understand wanting to be safe and all put this goes towards public humiliation. Domestic violence laws are already kinda weird in regards to the situation where often, just the fact that the police get called means somebody HAS to go do jail. I don't think we need this kind of thing for every single violent crime. I think even Megan's law is a bit harsh and needs to be reevaluated since I'm sure, as with all other "Justice", there are a ton of people who's lives are ruined that probably didn't need to be. (ie There was that case in GA where a 17yr old boy got a BJ from a 15 yr old girl and got 10 years in prison and has to walk around with the 'Sexual Predator' moniker for the rest of his life) Let's leave it rest with Megan's law.
You'll have that sometimes...
That was my reaction too - if you meet someone who's 'suspicious and a little creepy' it's possibly best not to date them.
"OK, so he's drenched in blood and carrying an axe, but he has such lovely eyes!"
It's lucky that all people with a criminal past are "suspicious and a little creepy".
Absolutely, completely not acceptable. Megan's Law is already borderline acceptable. The only reason I see that Megan's Law should be allowed is that minors can't really control the situation they are in so it gives the parents a tool to help keep their kids away from situations/people that might take advantage of a child's lack of understanding. Adults can make decisions on their own. If a guy is exhibiting symptoms of domestic violence (jealousy, control, isolation) and the other ADULT doesn't decide to leave thats on him/her. Last I checked, once you serve your sentence your debt to society is paid - they shouldn't be continually exposed to harassment, social isolation, and discrimination.
...And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me." - Martin Niemoeller (1892-1984)
These laws are pretty much designed to target men to protect women and children. As a man, I want a database that shows every single intersection between those I meet and the legal system. If I were single, I'd want to know everything the government knows about the criminal record of every woman I consider dating. Huh, you mean you really were married three times in the past five years, all to rich men? Wow, that's interesting. No second date for you, honey. You've filed rape charges against several men after going on dates with you in the past few years. You're not getting a second chance!
Put up or shut up. The 14th amendment demands equal protection before the law. Either expose everything, or don't do anything.