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The Exchange

Do Sex Offender Laws Keep Us Safe?

New Hampshire Public Radio | By Laura Knoy

Published May 16, 2012 at 9:00 AM EDT

The city of Franklin wants to bar sex offenders from living near schools, but a judge ruled such restrictions violate equal protection laws. Franklin plans to appeal. It’s just one example of how difficult this balancing act can be -- protecting the public while observing the rights of offenders. We’ll examine how this debate is unfolding in the Granite State.

Guests:

Tom Reid: Deputy County Attorney for Rockingham County.

Chris Dornin: Founder of Citizens for Criminal Justice Reform.

We'll also hear from...

Ken Merrifield: Mayor of the city of Franklin, which is in the midst of a court battle over residency restrictions for sex offenders.

Barbara Keshen: Lawyer for the New Hampshire Civil Liberties Union, which opposes residency restrictions.

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Laura Knoy

Laura is well known in New Hampshire for her in-depth coverage of important issues and is widely regarded for her interviews with presidential hopefuls. Laura is a graduate of Keene High School in New Hampshire. Prior to hosting The Exchange, Laura worked in public radio in Washington, D.C. as a local reporter and announcer for WAMU and as a newscaster for NPR. Before her radio career, she was a researcher for USA Today's "Money" section, and a research assistant at the Institute for International Economics. Laura occasionally guest hosts national programs such as The Diane Rehm Show and Here and Now. In 2007 Laura was named New Hampshire Broadcaster of the Year by the New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters.

See stories by Laura Knoy

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