JOHN DOE, RICHARD ROE and SAMUEL POE, individually and on behalf of all other persons similarly situated, Plaintiffs, - against - HON. GEORGE E. PATAKI, in his official capacity as Governor of the State of New York, et al., Defendants.



96 Civ. 1657 (DC)



UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK



919 F. Supp. 691; 1996 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 3384



March 21, 1996, Dated

March 21, 1996, FILED













COUNSEL: [**1] APPEARANCES


For Plaintiffs: ROBERT M. BAUM, Attorney-in-Charge, Criminal Defense Division, The Legal Aid Society, By: Thomas M. O'Brien, Esq., Susan L. Hendricks, Esq., Michele Maxian, Esq., Special Litigation Unit, New York, New York. NORMAN SIEGEL, Esq., DONNA LIEBERMAN, Esq., New York Civil Liberties Union Foundation, New York, New York.


For Defendants: DENNIS C. VACCO, Attorney General of the State of New York, By: Christine E. Morrison, Esq., Assistant Attorney General, New York, New York.


For Amicus Curiae United States of America: MARY JO WHITE, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, By: Gideon A. Schor, Esq., Assistant United States Attorney, New York, New York.


For Amicus Curiae Assemblyman Daniel L. Feldman: ROGER L. STAVIS, Esq., New York, New York.



JUDGES: DENNY CHIN, United States District Judge



OPINIONBY: DENNY CHIN



OPINION:

[*693] OPINION & ORDER


CHIN, D.J.

In this constitutional challenge to the New York State Sex Offender Registration Act, N.Y. Correction Law § 168 et seq. (McKinney Supp. 1996) (the "Act"), commonly referred to as New York's "Megan's Law," plaintiffs move for a preliminary injunction enjoining retroactive [**2] application of the Act's registration and notification provisions.

This case presents a vivid example of the conflict that often arises between the rights of individuals and the needs of society as a whole. Defendants present compelling arguments in support of a registration and notification system for those who would victimize children and commit sex crimes. Indeed, defendants poignantly argue that it is a "sad commentary" on our society that we continue to name laws after children who have been murdered or abducted. (Tr. 45). n1 Nonetheless, no matter how compelling the reasons, no matter how pure the motive, constitutional protections for individuals -- even unsympathetic ones -- cannot be cast aside in the name of the greater good.



n1 References to "Tr." are to the transcript of the argument on March 18, 1996.


Would-be child abusers, rapists, and other sex offenders are on notice, and have been since the Act was passed, that if they commit these crimes now, they will subject themselves not only to possible [**3] imprisonment but also to strict registration requirements and perhaps intense public scrutiny. Those who committed their crimes before the Act took effect, however, have a right not to be punished on an ex post facto basis. The public notification provisions of the Act constitute punishment, and if their implementation is not enjoined, plaintiffs will suffer irreparable harm. Hence, plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction is granted with respect to the public notification provisions of the Act. Because I find, however, that plaintiffs will not suffer irreparable harm if they are required to register during the pendency of this lawsuit, their motion is denied with respect to the registration provisions. n2



n2 Plaintiffs also seek an order granting class action certification and permitting plaintiffs to file this action under pseudonyms. Defendants do not oppose the latter request; hence, plaintiffs may prosecute this case under pseudonyms, although they may be required, subject to a protective order, to reveal their identities in discovery. I need not decide the request for class certification, for defendants have agreed to be bound by the decision in this case with respect to other members of the proposed class.


[**4]

[*694] STATEMENT OF THE CASE


A. The Act


1. Background

The Act was passed on July 25, 1995 and became effective on January 21, 1996. It requires individuals convicted of certain sex offenses to register with law enforcement officials, and it authorizes those officials, in some circumstances, to notify the public of the identity and whereabouts of registrants.

At least 46 states have enacted laws requiring convicted sex offenders to register with law enforcement authorities. Many of these statutes also provide for public notification of the presence of registered sex offenders in local communities. The statutes resulted from growing public concern over the substantial threats presented by sex offenders and a belief that sex offenders as a group are more likely to repeat their crimes.

In enacting these laws, legislatures have articulated two goals: (i) enhancing law enforcement authorities' ability to fight sex crimes and (ii) protecting communities, and particularly children, by notifying them of the presence of individuals who, because of their history of committing sex crimes, may present a danger. Although some of these registration and [**5] notification laws have been in existence for a number of years, the laws are now commonly known as "Megan's Laws" because of the case of seven-year-old Megan Kanka, who was raped and murdered in 1994 by someone who lived across the street from her home. Unbeknownst to Megan and her family, the individual was a twice-convicted sex offender.

In 1994, Congress enacted the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act, 42 U.S.C. § 14071 et seq. (the "Federal Act"), which was named for an 11-year-old boy who was abducted when he was returning home from the store. The Federal Act encourages states, through funding incentives, to enact laws requiring individuals convicted of crimes against children or sexually violent offenses to register with state law enforcement agencies. The Federal Act permits law enforcement authorities to release certain information in certain limited circumstances. Id. at § 14071(d). The Federal Act, however, does not require states to apply their particular laws retroactively.

To date, a number of registration statutes have been challenged in state courts. See, e.g., Doe v. Poritz, 142 N.J. 1, 662 A.2d 367 [**6] (N.J. 1995) (upholding New Jersey law); State v. Ward, 123 Wash. 2d 488, 869 P.2d 1062 (Wash. 1994) (upholding Washington law); State v. Noble, 171 Ariz. 171, 829 P.2d 1217 (Ariz. 1992) (upholding Arizona law). Only two federal courts have ruled on the constitutionality of sexual offender registration and notification acts. See Artway v. Attorney General of New Jersey, 876 F. Supp. 666 (D.N.J. 1995); Rowe v. Burton, 884 F. Supp. 1372 (D. Alaska 1994). Both federal courts found constitutional infirmities with the statutes at issue. Judge Politan of the District of New Jersey and Judge Sedwick of the District of Alaska both held, in substance, that retroactive application of public notification provisions violated the Ex Post Facto Clause. Artway, 876 F. Supp. at 692; Rowe, 884 F. Supp. at 1380; cf. Young v. Weston, 898 F. Supp. 744 (W.D. Wa. 1995) (holding unconstitutional, on ex post facto and other grounds, Washington's "Sexually Violent Predator" statute, which provided for involuntary commitment of "sexually violent predators" after they completed their sentences).

The New York State legislature used New Jersey's registration statute as a model, [**7] but attempted to cure the flaws noted by the court in Artway. The Act's preamble contains the following statement of the Legislature's purpose or findings:


The legislature finds that the danger of recidivism posed by sex offenders, especially those sexually violent offenders who commit predatory acts characterized by repetitive and compulsive behavior, and . . . the protection of the public from these offenders is of paramount concern or interest to government. The legislature further finds that law enforcement agencies' efforts to protect their communities, conduct [*695] investigations and quickly apprehend sex offenders are impaired by the lack of information about sex offenders who live within their jurisdiction and that the lack of information shared with the public may result in the failure of the criminal justice system to identify, investigate, apprehend and prosecute sex offenders.

The preamble then states that "the system of registering sex offenders is a proper exercise of the state's police power regulating present and ongoing conduct" and "will bring the state into compliance with the federal crime control act."


2. Registration

The Act establishes [**8] two categories of offenses that require registration: "Sex offense[s]," § 168-a(2), and "Sexually violent offense[s]," § 168-a(3). Sex offenses include, for example, convictions for rape in the second or third degree, sodomy in the second or third degree, or sexual abuse in the second degree, and convictions for attempt thereof. § 168-a(2) (citing N.Y. Penal Law § § 130.25, 130.30, 130.40, 130.45, 130.60 (McKinney 1987 & Supp. 1996)). Sexually violent offenses include, for example, convictions for rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, and sexual abuse in the first degree, and convictions for attempt thereof. § 168-a(3) (citing N.Y. Penal Law § § 130.35, 130.50, 130.65 (McKinney 1987 & Supp. 1996)).

Under the Act, a "sex offender" is any person convicted of a "sex offense" or a "sexually violent offense." § 168-a(1). Sex offenders are required to register with the Division of Criminal Justice Services (the "DCJS") within 10 days after discharge, parole, or release. § 168-f(1). Sex offenders who were "on parole or probation" on the effective date of the Act, i.e., January 21, 1996, are required to register, § 168-g(2), even though the conduct that [**9] led to the conviction occurred before the Act was passed. Sex offenders must register annually for ten years as well as "within ten calendar days prior to any change of address." n3 § § 168-f(2), (4), 168-h.



n3 A "sexually violent predator," defined as a person convicted of a "sexually violent offense" or a "sex offender" who suffers from a "mental abnormality" that makes him or her "likely to engage in predatory sexual conduct," must register annually and personally verify his or her registration at "the local law enforcement agency" every 90 days for at least ten years and potentially for life. § § 168-a(7), 168-f(3), 168-h, 168-l(6)(c).


To register, sex offenders must provide such identifying information as name, date of birth, sex, race, height, weight, eye color, driver's license number, and home address. They must also provide a description of the offense, the date of conviction, and the sentence imposed as well as a photograph and fingerprints. § § 168-b, 168-i.

The failure to register as required by the [**10] Act is a crime. § 168-t. Any sex offender required to register under the Act may petition the sentencing court to be relieved of the duty to register. § 168-o.


3. Notification

The Act provides for three levels of notification to law enforcement agencies and/or the public that increase as the risk of a "repeat offense" and danger to the public increases. § 168-l(6).

If the risk of a repeat offense is "low," the sex offender is assigned risk level one and only notification to law enforcement agencies is authorized. § 168-l(6)(a). Thus, this risk level does not provide for any public notification.

If the risk is 'moderate," the offender is assigned risk level two. Under this level, the appropriate law enforcement agencies are notified and are authorized, in turn, to disseminate an "approximate address based on the sex offender's zip code," a photograph, and background information to "any entity with vulnerable populations." § 168-l(6)(b). The Act does not define the term "any entity with vulnerable populations," but the Act does provide that "any entity receiving information on a sex offender may disclose or further disseminate such information at [its] [**11] discretion." Id.

If the risk is "high" and there exists a "threat to the public safety," the offender is deemed a "sexually violent predator" and assigned risk level three. The level of notification [*696] authorized for level two is also authorized for level three, except that law enforcement agencies are permitted to disclose not just an "approximate address" but the offender's "exact address." § 168-l(6)(c). Moreover, a level three offender is also to be included in a "subdirectory of sexually violent predators," which is to be maintained by the Division, that contains an exact address, other identifying information, and a photograph. The subdirectory will have listings by county and zip code, and a copy is to be distributed annually to local police departments for public access. A written request, however, will be required before access to the subdirectory is given. § § 168-l(6)(c), 168-q.

Identifying information about all registrants -- whether level one, two, or three -- also will be available to the public through a special "900" telephone number, which was scheduled to become operational on March 8, 1996. Callers to the 900 number will not be able to obtain information about [**12] any person, however, unless they first provide some identifying information that reasonably identifies the person in question as a registrant. Moreover, the telephone calls will be recorded and callers will be required to identify themselves. § 168-p. The unauthorized release of any information constitutes a crime. § 168-u.

As to individuals who were still incarcerated on January 21, 1996, the Act provides that the sentencing court is to determine, prior to discharge, parole, or release, whether the offender is a sex offender or sexually violent predator and, if so, whether the offender is a risk level one, two, or three. § 168-n. The Act provides for the creation of a "board of examiners of sex offenders" (the "Board"), which is to make recommendations to the sentencing court regarding the appropriate risk levels. § § 168-l(6), 168-n.

As to individuals who were on parole or probation on January 21, 1996, the Division of Parole and the Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives are to "determine the duration of registration and notification." § 168-g(1). As to individuals who were "released on probation or discharged upon payment of a fine" based on a conviction after [**13] January 21, 1996, the sentencing court is to determine the "duration of registration . . . and notification." § 168-d(2), (3).


B. The Facts


1. Plaintiffs

Plaintiff John Doe was convicted of attempted rape in the first degree in 1990 and was sentenced to a period of incarceration. He was released on parole in 1994 and has remained on parole since then without incident. On February 5, 1996, he was notified that he had been classified as level 3. (Cmplt. P 6).

Plaintiff Richard Roe was convicted of sexual abuse in the first degree in 1995. He was sentenced to probation and has remained on probation without incident. On February 21, 1996, he was notified that he had been classified as level 3. (Cmplt. P 7).

Plaintiff Samuel Poe was convicted of attempted sodomy in the first degree in 1989 and was sentenced to a period of incarceration. He apparently is entitled to immediate conditional release from prison and will be paroled upon the Division of Parole's approval of his residence. In accordance with the Act, he will be required to appear before the state court for classification. (Cmplt. § 8).

Plaintiffs sue on behalf of themselves as well as all [**14] others similarly situated -- all persons in New York State who are or will be in the future incarcerated or on parole or probation after having been convicted of a sex offense or sexually violent offense committed prior to the effective date of the Act, January 21, 1996 and who have been or will be subject to the Act's registration and notification provisions. (Cmplt. P 35).


2. Defendants

Named as defendants in this lawsuit, in their official capacities, are Governor Pataki; Paul Shechtman, the Commissioner of DCJS; Brion Travis, Chairman of the Board of Parole of the New York State Division of Parole Services; George Sanchez, Director of the New York State Division of Probation; and Elizabeth M. Devane, Chairperson of the New York State Board of Examiners of Sex Offenders. Defendants are the individuals [*697] responsible for the implementation of the Act and the agencies involved in its operation.


3. Application of the Act

In support of their application for a preliminary injunction, plaintiffs have cited a number of incidents involving individuals who were required to register under the Act. At least three individuals in New York have been subjected [**15] to the Act's notification procedures. An individual who pled guilty to statutory rape and was sentenced to five years probation was apparently the first person to register under the Act. As reported in The New York Times, the Westchester County District Attorney's Office issued a news release and the registration process became "a media event." (O'Brien Aff. Exh. A).

In a second incident, a New York sex offender who is on parole was the subject of a mass mailing. After being informed by local police of the offender's release from prison, the superintendent of the school district in which the parolee resides, which includes several towns, sent a mass mailing to all residents of the district, identifying the parolee by name and address. The mailing consisted of a letter on the letterhead of the Superintendent of Schools addressed to "Parents, Guardians and Community Members." The parolee and his family -- including family members who do not reside with him -- have been subjected to harassment, including anonymous telephone calls, and the parolee lost his job as a result of the controversy generated by the mailing. (Hendricks Aff. PP 6-8 & Exh. A).

In a third incident, another New [**16] York sex offender who is on parole was also the subject of a mass mailing. On February 26, 1996, the Superintendent of Schools for the Cornwall Central School District sent a letter to all parents and guardians, stating that "a sex offender was released from prison back into the Cornwall community." (Id. at Exh. B). The letter did not identify the sex offender's name or address. Two days later, however, a local newspaper published a story containing the following bold-face headline in large type: "Sex offender's ID eludes Cornwall." (Id.). Not surprisingly, on February 29, 1996, several newspapers published stories containing the sex offender's name, picture, address, crime, and other information. (Id.).

Similar incidents occurred in New Jersey subsequent to the enactment of its Megan's Law. In one instance, a father and son broke into the home of a released child molester and mistakenly attacked the wrong person. (O'Brien Aff. Exh. B). In Englewood, New Jersey, the Guardian Angels passed out leaflets warning residents to "Beware" of a sex offender, "E.B.," who was challenging Megan's Law in federal court and resided in Englewood. Later, stating that "this should be a [**17] lesson to other sex offenders," a New Jersey resident traced E.B.'s name through court records and announced it on the steps of Englewood City Hall and on a radio program hosted by Guardian Angels leader Curtis Sliwa. (Id. at P 26 & Exh. C).


C. Prior Proceedings

On March 6, 1996, plaintiffs filed their complaint and moved by order to show cause for a preliminary injunction and a temporary restraining order. The next day, after hearing preliminary arguments on the issues raised by plaintiffs' motion, I issued a temporary restraining order, enjoining defendants from enforcing the notification provisions of the Act.

On March 18, 1996, counsel for the parties presented full arguments on the issues presently before me. At the conclusion of the hearing, I continued the restraining order until I issued a decision on plaintiffs' motion.

DISCUSSION


A. Standards for Issuance of a Preliminary Injunction

A plaintiff seeking a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order usually must show (a) that it is likely to suffer irreparable harm if temporary injunctive relief is not granted and (b) either (i) likelihood of success on the merits or [**18] (ii) sufficiently serious questions going to the merits to make them a fair ground for litigation and a balance of hardships tipping decidedly [*698] in its favor. Polymer Technology Corp. v. Mimran, 37 F.3d 74, 77 (2d Cir. 1994). Where the moving party "seeks to stay government action taken in the public interest pursuant to a statutory or regulatory scheme," however, that party must satisfy the likelihood of success on the merits prong of the test. Able v. United States, 44 F.3d 128, 131 (2d Cir. 1995) (quoting Plaza Health Lab., Inc. v. Perales, 878 F.2d 577, 580 (2d Cir. 1989)). Accordingly, in this case plaintiffs must show irreparable harm and a likelihood of success on the merits.


B. Irreparable Harm

I find that plaintiffs have shown, in part, that they are likely to suffer irreparable harm if immediate injunctive relief is not granted. It is well settled in this circuit that a moving party must show that the injury it may suffer is likely and imminent, not remote or speculative, and that this injury is not capable of being fully remedied by money damages. NAACP v. Town of East River, 70 F.3d 219, 224 (2d Cir. 1995). Here, plaintiffs have demonstrated [**19] that the injuries they will suffer are not speculative, for instances of irreparable harm have already been documented. Individuals registered with local authorities pursuant to the Act have faced public ridicule and harassment, have lost their jobs, and have been threatened with physical harm. (See Hendricks Aff. Exhs. A, B; O'Brien Aff. Exhs. A-C). Furthermore, the public stigma that has been placed on these individuals cannot be fully compensated through money damages. Thus, this type of injury satisfies the irreparable harm prong of the preliminary injunction test. See Jolly v. Coughlin, 76 F.3d 468, 1996 WL 49162, at *14 (2d Cir. 1996) (money damages inadequate to compensate physical injuries resulting from defendant's conduct); Doe v. Dolton Elementary Sch. Dist. No. 148, 694 F. Supp. 440, 447-48 (N.D. Ill. 1988) (money damages inadequate to compensate emotional and psychological injury resulting from defendant's conduct).

Moreover, plaintiffs allege a violation of their constitutional right to be free from ex post facto laws. Such a constitutional injury is per se irreparable harm. Covino v. Patrissi, 967 F.2d 73, 77 (2d Cir. 1992); [**20] Mitchell v. Cuomo, 748 F.2d 804, 806 (2d Cir. 1984). In each of the reported incidents concerning released sex offenders, the State's public notification of an individual's identity and his status as a sex offender triggered the harm. Accordingly, with respect to the public notification provisions of the Act, plaintiffs have satisfied their burden of showing irreparable harm. n4



n4 Counsel for defendants suggested at oral argument that, in evaluating the irreparable harm element, I should consider the potential irreparable harm to the community at large that an injunction may cause. (Tr. 44-45). I am acutely aware of the tragic events, most notably the death of Megan Kanka, that have led to the passage of the registration and notification laws. The argument is compelling. Nonetheless the harm that plaintiffs will suffer by virtue of the ex post facto application of the Act's public notification provisions cannot be ignored.


In contrast, plaintiffs have not satisfied their burden of showing irreparable [**21] harm with respect to the registration aspects of the Act. Merely informing the local police of their address, information that the police could obtain through other means, does not irreparably harm plaintiffs. Indeed, plaintiffs moved for a temporary restraining order only with respect to the public notification provisions of the Act. Because plaintiffs have not satisfied their burden with respect to the registration provisions, I need only discuss whether plaintiffs have demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits regarding the public notification provisions of the Act.


c. Likelihood of Success on the Merits

Plaintiffs' primary argument is that the Act imposes punitive measures that were not in effect at the time they committed their offenses. Thus, plaintiffs claim that the Act's retroactive application violates the Ex Post Facto Clause of the Constitution. Defendants respond that, while the Act imposes some burden on plaintiffs, it is not a punitive measure but is merely a regulatory scheme. Because the Act is purportedly regulatory, defendants argue that it cannot violate the Ex Post Facto Clause.

Thus, the parties agree that the critical issue before [**22] me is whether the Act is punitive [*699] or regulatory. If the Act is punitive, then its retroactive application violates the Ex Post Facto Clause. If the Act is regulatory, then its retroactive application is permissible. Because I hold that the public notification aspects of the Act impose additional punishment on plaintiffs, plaintiffs have demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits.


1. Ex Post Facto Laws

Article I, § 10, of the Constitution forbids the States from enacting any "ex post facto Law." The Supreme Court first interpreted this phrase in Calder v. Bull, 3 U.S. (3 Dall.) 386, 1 L. Ed. 648 (1798). There, Justice Chase explained that the Ex Post Facto Clause prohibited state governments from passing laws that had the effect of punishing citizens for conduct after the fact. Specifically, Justice Chase noted four types of laws that the Ex Post Facto Clause prohibited:


1st. Every law that makes an action done before the passing of the law, and which was innocent when done, criminal; and punishes such action. 2d. Every law that aggravates a crime, or makes it greater than it was, when committed. 3d. Every law that changes [**23] the punishment, and inflicts a greater punishment, than the law annexed to the crime, when committed. 4th. Every law that alters the legal rules of evidence, and receives less, or different, testimony, than the law required at the time of the commission of the offence, in order to convict the offender.


Id. at 390. This definition has remained relatively constant through time and has been repeatedly reaffirmed by the Supreme Court. See, e.g., Collins v. Youngblood, 497 U.S. 37, 42, 111 L. Ed. 2d 30, 110 S. Ct. 2715 (1990); Beazell v. Ohio, 269 U.S. 167, 169-70, 70 L. Ed. 216, 46 S. Ct. 68 (1925); Fletcher v. Peck, 10 U.S. (6 Cranch) 87, 138, 3 L. Ed. 162 (1810). Indeed, this prohibition against ex post facto laws was critically important to the drafters of our Constitution and remains a fundamental "constitutional bulwark in favor of personal security and private rights." The Federalist No. 44 at 301 (James Madison) (Jacob E. Cooke ed. 1961).

The Ex Post Facto Clause serves two basic purposes. First, the clause is designed to ensure that legislative acts "'give fair warning of their effect and permit individuals to rely on their meaning [**24] until explicitly changed.'" Miller v. Florida, 482 U.S. 423, 430, 96 L. Ed. 2d 351, 107 S. Ct. 2446 (1987) (quoting Weaver v. Graham, 450 U.S. 24, 28, 67 L. Ed. 2d 17, 101 S. Ct. 960 (1981)). Second, the clause is designed to prevent legislatures from imposing arbitrary or vindictive legislation on individuals or classes of individuals. Miller, 482 U.S. at 429; Weaver, 450 U.S. at 29; see also James v. United States, 366 U.S. 213, 248 n.3, 6 L. Ed. 2d 246, 81 S. Ct. 1052 (1961) (Harlan, J., concurring in part and dissenting in part); Malloy v. South Carolina, 237 U.S. 180, 183, 59 L. Ed. 905, 35 S. Ct. 507 (1915). As the Court stated in Weaver:


The presence or absence of an affirmative, enforceable right is not relevant . . . to the ex post facto prohibition, which forbids the imposition of punishment more severe than the punishment assigned by law when the act to be punished occurred. Critical to relief under the Ex Post Facto Clause is not an individual's right to less punishment, but the lack of fair notice and governmental restraint when the legislature increases punishment beyond what was prescribed when the crime was consummated. Thus, [**25] even if a statute merely alters penal provisions accorded by the grace of the legislature, it violates the Clause if it is both retrospective and more onerous than the law in effect on the date of the offense.


Weaver, 450 U.S. at 30.

Here, plaintiffs argue that the Act offends the third prong of Justice Chase's formulation and contend that the Act changed the punishment for certain sex crimes, inflicting greater punishment than what existed when these crimes were committed.


2. Punitive v. Remedial Measures

The first step in determining whether a statute is punitive or regulatory is to review the legislature's intent in creating the measure. See Austin v. United States, 509 U.S. 602, [*700] 125 L. Ed. 2d 488, 113 S. Ct. 2801, 2811 (1993); United States v. Ward, 448 U.S. 242, 248-49, 65 L. Ed. 2d 742, 100 S. Ct. 2636 (1980). If the legislature's intent is clearly punitive, then no further inquiry is required and the Ex Post Facto Clause applies. The mere fact that the legislature's intent is regulatory, however, does not end the inquiry. See Department of Revenue of Montana v. Kurth Ranch, 114 S. Ct. 1937, 1945 (1994); Collins, 497 U.S. at 46. As defendants [**26] essentially concede (Tr. 33), a court must further undertake a historical and functional analysis to determine if the statute's effect is punitive. Ward, 448 U.S. at 249; but see DeVeau v. Braisted, 363 U.S. 144, 160, 4 L. Ed. 2d 1109, 80 S. Ct. 1146 (1960) (suggesting that analysis should be limited to legislative intent).

In United States v. Halper, 490 U.S. 435, 104 L. Ed. 2d 487, 109 S. Ct. 1892 (1989), the Supreme Court set forth various factors that courts should consider in determining whether a civil sanction constitutes punishment for purposes of the Double Jeopardy Clause. These factors are relevant here. The Court noted that a sanction "constitutes punishment when the sanction as applied in the individual case serves the goals of punishment." Id. at 448. The Court continued that


these goals are familiar. We have recognized in other contexts that punishment serves the twin aims of retribution and deterrence. Furthermore, "retribution and deterrence are not legitimate nonpunitive governmental objectives." From these premises, it follows that a civil sanction that cannot fairly be said solely to serve a remedial purpose, but rather can only be explained [**27] as also serving either retributive or deterrent purposes, is punishment, as we have come to understand the term.


Id. (citations omitted); see also Kurth Ranch, 114 S. Ct. at 1944-45; Austin, 113 S. Ct. at 2806.

In addition, the Court has looked at other factors in determining whether a sanction is punitive or regulatory. Specifically, in Kennedy v. Mendoza-Martinez, 372 U.S. 144, 9 L. Ed. 2d 644, 83 S. Ct. 554 (1963), the Court set forth "the tests traditionally applied to determine whether an Act of Congress is penal or regulatory in character." Id. at 168. These tests include


whether the sanction involves an affirmative disability or restraint, whether it has historically been regarded as punishment, whether it comes into play only on a finding of scienter, whether its operation will promote the traditional aims of punishment -- retribution and deterrence, whether the behavior to which it applies is already a crime, whether an alternative purpose to which it may rationally be connected is assignable for it, and whether it appears excessive in relation to the alternative purpose assigned . . . .


Id. at 168-69. n5 See Rowe, 884 F. Supp. at 1378-80 [**28] (applying Kennedy factors); Artway, 876 F. Supp. at 688-92 (applying Kennedy factors); see also Doe v. Poritz 662 A.2d at 388-80 (discussing Kennedy factors, and concluding that courts should look at both "intent" and "effects," but suggesting that if effects are so "excessive" that they cannot be justified as "regulatory," a punitive intent must be inferred).



n5 Although the Supreme Court, somewhat confusingly, stated in a footnote in Austin that courts should not apply these factors in determining whether a statute violates the Ex Post Facto Clause, Austin, 113 S. Ct. at 2806 n.6, these factors plainly aid in the overall inquiry. In fact, the Supreme Court relied on some of these factors in reaching its decisions in Kurth Ranch, Austin, and Halper. See Kurth Ranch, 114 S. Ct. at 1946 (analyzing whether tax serves goals of punishment, whether tax was conditioned on commission of a crime, and whether behavior to which tax applies is already a crime); Austin, 113 S. Ct. at 2806-08 (analyzing whether forfeiture was historically regarded as punishment); Halper, 490 U.S. at 435 (analyzing whether fine was punishment because it was excessive in relation to regulatory purpose asserted by the government).


[**29]


3. The Public Notification Provisions Are Punitive

After examining the Act's public notification provisions in light of all the foregoing factors, I hold that the public notification [*701] provisions of the Act are punitive. Thus, retroactive application of these provisions violates the Ex Post Facto clause.

Initially, I note that the New York State legislature plainly described the Act as regulatory in its preamble. As discussed above, however, "simply by labeling a law [regulatory], a legislature does not thereby immunize it from scrutiny under the Ex Post Facto Clause." Collins, 497 U.S. at 46. Thus, I must review the Act's practical function and effect.

Five factors in particular convince me that the public notification aspects are punitive. First, public notification of one's crime has traditionally been viewed as punitive. See People v. Letterlough, 86 N.Y.2d 259, 631 N.Y.S.2d 105, 108, 655 N.E.2d 146 (N.Y. 1995) ("Public disclosure of a person's crime, and the attendant humiliation and public disgrace, has historically been regarded strictly as a form of punishment."). Indeed, as Judge Politan noted in Artway, the punitive nature of public [**30] notification of one's crime dates back to biblical times, as illustrated by the phrase "the Mark of Cain." 876 F. Supp. at 689. Accordingly, this factor favors a finding that public notification constitutes punishment.

Second, public notification serves at least one of the traditional goals of punishment -- deterrence. "Punishments aim to deter future undesired conduct by visiting some significantly unpleasant consequence upon the criminal." Rowe, 884 F. Supp. at 1379. See also Artway, 876 F. Supp. at 689. Here, the Act's public notification provisions impose a "significant unpleasant consequence" upon plaintiffs. Dissemination of an offender's address and identity will inevitably cause him, at a minimum, to be ostracized by the community. Such public humiliation certainly would deter future criminal conduct. In fact, as noted above, because public notification may lead to more substantial harm, such as economic or physical harm, it arguably also serves the punitive goal of retribution. Because it serves either retributive or deterrent purposes, public notification should be considered punishment. Halper, 490 U.S. at 448.

Third, public notification imposes an affirmative [**31] disability or restraint on plaintiffs. Again, as has been well documented, public notification places a public stigma on plaintiffs. This stigma has a potentially devastating effect on plaintiffs' personal and professional lives. Rowe, 884 F. Supp. at 1378. Moreover, this impact is much broader than what could be expected through public access to judicial proceedings and criminal records. See Artway, 876 F. Supp. at 688-89; see also Whalen v. Roe, 429 U.S. 589, 605-06, 51 L. Ed. 2d 64, 97 S. Ct. 869 (1977) (distinguishing between the government's collection of personal data and the "unwarranted disclosure" thereof). Thus, this factor also favors a finding that public notification is punitive.

Fourth, the Act contains features that are classic indicia of a punitive scheme. Its provisions are triggered, of course, by behavior that is "already a crime." Kennedy, 372 U.S. at 168-69. It provides for the sentencing judge to determine the level of notification. § 168-n. It also provides for consideration of victim impact statements in determining the public notification level. § 168-l(5)(i). These provisions certainly suggest that the public notification provisions are [**32] punitive in nature.

Finally, although defendants have articulated legitimate regulatory purposes for public notification, namely combatting recidivism, aiding law enforcement, and protecting the public, the Act's public notification provisions have already led to excessively harsh results. Individuals who have been subjected to community notification provisions have been publicly ostracized. They have been threatened with physical harm. Their families have been harassed. They have lost their jobs. And their crimes have been featured in newspapers for all to see. One could argue, depending on the crime involved, that these individuals deserved this treatment. One cannot argue, however, that this treatment was necessary to serve the Act's stated goals. Hence, the effect of the public notification provisions is to punish. See Artway, 876 F. Supp. at 692; but see Doe v. Poritz, 662 A.2d at 405 (holding that New Jersey Megan's Law has only a "regulatory [*702] purpose" and that its provisions are "not excessive but are aimed solely at achieving, and, in fact, are likely to achieve, that regulatory purpose").

For these reasons, I hold that the public notification provisions of the Act, [**33] including the 900 number and all forms of public dissemination of information obtained from plaintiffs, constitute punitive, not regulatory, measures. Thus, application of these measures to individuals who committed their crimes before the Act was passed violates the Ex Post Facto Clause. Accordingly, plaintiffs have demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits of their claim.


4. Due Process and Statutory Claims

Because I am granting plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction on the grounds that the public notification provisions violate the Ex Post Facto Clause, I need not reach their due process and statutory arguments.

CONCLUSION

Plaintiffs have demonstrated that they are likely to suffer irreparable harm and have demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits. Accordingly, their motion for a preliminary injunction is granted. Defendants, their agents, employees, and all persons acting in concert with them are hereby preliminarily enjoined from enforcing the public notification provisions of New York's Sex Offender Registration Act, Article 6-C of the New York Correction Law, including § § 168-l(6)(b, c), 168-p, and 168-q, [**34] against persons whose "sexual offense" occurred before January 21, 1996.

SO ORDERED.


Dated: New York, New York

March 21, 1996

DENNY CHIN

United States District Judge

JOHN DOE, RICHARD ROE and SAMUEL POE, individually and on behalf of all other persons similarly situated, Plaintiffs, - against - HON. GEORGE E. PATAKI, in his official capacity as Governor of the State of New York, et al., Defendants.



96 Civ. 1657 (DC)



UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK



940 F. Supp. 603; 1996 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 13980



September 24, 1996, Decided

September 24, 1996, FILED







DISPOSITION: [**1] Parties' cross-motions for summary judgment granted in part and denied in part.









COUNSEL: APPEARANCES


For Plaintiffs: ROBERT M. BAUM, Attorney-in-Charge, The Legal Aid Society, Criminal Defense Division, By: Thomas M. O'Brien, Esq., Susan L. Hendricks, Esq., Laura R. Johnson, Esq., New York, New York. NORMAN SIEGEL, Esq., CHRISTOPHER DUNN, Esq., New York Civil Liberties Union Foundation, New York, New York.


For Defendants: DENNIS C. VACCO, Attorney General of the State of New York, By: Christine E. Morrison, Esq., Assistant Attorney General, New York, New York.


For Amicus Curiae United States of America: MARY JO WHITE, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, By: Daniel S. Alter, Esq., Assistant United States Attorney, New York, New York.


For Amici Curiae American Alliance for Rights & Responsibilities, Protecting Our Children, Justice for All, Parents of Murdered Children of New York State, and Take Back New York: CONSTANTINE & PARTNERS, By: Eliot Spitzer, Esq., New York, New York. DENNIS SAFFRAN, Esq., American Alliance for Rights and Responsibilities, New York, New York.



JUDGES: DENNY CHIN, United States District Judge



OPINIONBY: DENNY CHIN



OPINION:

[*604] OPINION [**2]


CHIN, D.J.

In this case, plaintiffs challenge the constitutionality of the New York State Sex Offender Registration Act, N.Y. Correction Law § § 168 to 168-v (McKinney Supp. 1996) (the "Act"), as applied to individuals who committed their crimes before the Act took effect. I issued a preliminary injunction on March 21, 1996 enjoining retroactive application of the "public notification" provisions of the Act. Doe v. Pataki, 919 F. Supp. 691 (S.D.N.Y. 1996). The parties have now filed cross-motions for summary judgment.

The principal issue presented is whether the Act increases the punishment for sex offenses after the fact. If so, the Act would violate the Ex Post Facto Clause of the United States Constitution if it were to be applied to individuals who committed their crimes before the Act took effect on January 21, 1996. If not, the Act could be applied retroactively without violating the Ex Post Facto Clause.

The provisions of the Act, commonly referred to as New York's "Megan's Law," are now well-known. The "registration" provisions require convicted sex offenders to register with law enforcement authorities after parole or release. The "public notification" provisions [**3] permit law enforcement authorities, in certain circumstances, to notify the public of the identity and whereabouts of registrants.

I hold that the public notification provisions of the Act constitute punishment and that they increase punishment after the fact. Hence, their retroactive application would violate the Ex Post Facto Clause.

The public notification provisions are quintessentially punitive in nature, for several reasons. First, although the legislature's stated intent in passing the Act was to protect, it is clear that the legislature also intended to punish sex offenders. In approving [*605] the Act, members of the New York State legislature referred to sex offenders as "depraved," "the lowest of the low," "animals," and "the human equivalent of toxic waste." (New York State Assembly Debate Minutes, June 28, 1995, at 360-61, 393, 417) ("Assembly Minutes"). One member flatly stated: "We are coming out to get them." (Id. at 360).

Second, the design of the Act suggests that the public notification provisions are punitive in nature. The Act contains classic indicia of a punitive scheme: it is triggered by the commission of a crime; it provides for the sentencing judge to determine [**4] the level of notification; and it provides for the submission of victim impact statements. Moreover, the Act is excessive in its sweep, covering an overly broad group of offenses and individuals and permitting broad and virtually uncontrolled disclosure.

Third, history suggests that public notification is punitive in nature. Historically, branding and other public forms of shaming were used to punish wrongdoers and in egregious situations banishment was imposed. Public notification is the modern-day equivalent of branding and banishment. Moreover, banishment is precisely what at least some members of the New York legislature intended: one Assemblyman predicted, in stating his support for the Act, that it would force sex offenders "out of town, out of state." (Assembly Minutes at 388-89).

Finally, the effect of the Act is to punish. Public notification results in an affirmative disability or restraint on sex offenders and their families. It interferes with the ability of sex offenders to rehabilitate in such a way as to extend their sentence, thereby increasing their punishment. Notification also serves traditional goals of punishment: retribution, incapacitation, and deterrence. [**5]

Defendants (and others) argue that to the extent sex offenders suffer adverse consequences as a result of the Act's public notification provisions, they have only themselves to blame. That may be true, but this reasoning only underscores the punitive underpinning of the Act: because of their crimes, sex offenders deserve whatever they get.

Likewise, the Act is premised on the generalization that sex offenders will repeat their crimes. As one member of the New York State Assembly proclaimed: "once a pedophile, always a pedophile." (Assembly Minutes, at 383). A society, or a legislature, may have a right to make that generalization as a matter of social policy, but a statutory scheme built upon a presumption that an entire group of individuals is incapable of rehabilitation is fundamentally punitive in nature.

The vision of a seven-year old child being raped and murdered by a twice-convicted sex offender who lived across the street, unbeknownst to the child's family, is a haunting one. With that vision in mind, one could justify, on an emotional level, virtually any punishment and virtually any punishment could be characterized as a mere protective or regulatory measure. Indeed, any [**6] balancing of the rights of children and others to be free from rape, murder, and sexual abuse against the rights of those convicted of committing those crimes will always result in a decisive tipping of the scales of justice in favor of the former.

Our Constitution, however, does not call for such a balancing in these circumstances. To the contrary, the Ex Post Facto Clause forbids all laws that increase punishment after the fact; there is no exception for laws that are based on good intentions or that seek to protect our children. If a law increases punishment, it cannot be applied retroactively even if it would also prevent further acts of violence and abuse.

The registration provisions of the Act, however, do not constitute punishment, for they do not result in the same excesses or adverse consequences that follow public notification. Hence, their retroactive application would not violate the Ex Post Facto Clause.

Accordingly, summary judgment is granted in favor of plaintiffs with respect to the notification provisions of the Act and in favor of defendants with respect to the registration provisions of the Act.

STATEMENT OF THE CASE


A. The Act

1. Background [**7]

The Act was passed on July 25, 1995 and took effect on January 21, 1996. Its preamble [*606] contains the following statement of the legislature's findings and intent:


The legislature finds that the danger of recidivism posed by sex offenders, especially those sexually violent offenders who commit predatory acts characterized by repetitive and compulsive behavior, and . . . the protection of the public from these offenders is of paramount concern or interest to government. The legislature further finds that law enforcement agencies' efforts to protect their communities, conduct investigations and quickly apprehend sex offenders are impaired by the lack of information about sex offenders who live within their jurisdiction and that the lack of information shared with the public may result in the failure of the criminal justice system to identify, investigate, apprehend and prosecute sex offenders.


The preamble goes on to state that "the system of registering sex offenders is a proper exercise of the state's police power regulating present and ongoing conduct" and "will bring the state into compliance with the federal crime control act . . . ." n1



n1 In 1994, Congress enacted the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Program, 42 U.S.C. § § 14071(a)-(f) (the "Federal Act"). The Federal Act initially encouraged states, through funding incentives, to enact laws requiring individuals convicted of crimes against children or sexually violent offenses to register with state law enforcement agencies. The Federal Act also permitted law enforcement authorities to release certain information in certain limited circumstances. Id. at § 14071(d). Congress recently amended the Federal Act to provide, as an additional requirement of funding, that state and local law enforcement agencies "shall release relevant information that is necessary to protect the public concerning a specific person required to register." Pub. L. No. 104-145, 110 Stat. 1345 (emphasis added) (to be codified at 42 U.S.C. § 14071(d)(2)).


[**8]

All 50 states have enacted sex offender registration laws, many of which also provide for public notification. See People v. Ross, 169 Misc. 2d 308, 646 N.Y.S.2d 249, 250 n.1 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. N.Y. Co. 1996) (citing statutes). The statutes resulted from growing public concern over the substantial threats presented by sex offenders and a belief that sex offenders as a group are more likely to repeat their crimes. In enacting these laws, legislatures have articulated two goals: (i) enhancing law enforcement authorities' ability to fight sex crimes and (ii) protecting communities, and particularly children, by notifying them of the presence of individuals who, because of their history of committing sex crimes, may present a danger.

Defendants have submitted statistics showing that approximately 133,000 women and girls age 12 and older are victims of rape or attempted rape in the United States each year. (Def. Mem. at 2-3). Justice Department statistics for 1992 show that nationwide 17,000 girls under age 12 were raped. (Id. at 3). Defendants cite studies that delineate the devastating psychological impact that sex offenses have on their victims. (Id. at 3-4). Defendants' statistics also show [**9] high rates of "recidivism among sex offenders, particularly among those who prey upon children" and that "sex offenders are significantly more likely than other repeat offenders to reoffend with sex offenses or other violent crimes." (Id. at 4). As compared to other criminals, defendants contend, sex offenders have a higher propensity "to go for long periods of time between offenses (thereby giving the false impression of having been successfully rehabilitated)." (Id. at 4-5). Plaintiffs have not challenged these statistics and the propositions they support, and thus I accept them as true for purposes of these cross-motions.

2. Registration

Under the Act, a "sex offender" is any person convicted of a "sex offense" or a "sexually violent offense." § 168-a(1), (2), (3). These designations encompass 36 offenses, including attempts. Seven of the designated offenses are misdemeanors. (Stip. P 16). n2



n2 References to "Stip." are to the parties' "Stipulation of Undisputed Facts," dated August 22, 1996.

"Sex offenses" include, for example, convictions for rape in the second or third degree, sodomy in the second or third degree, or sexual abuse in the second degree, and convictions for attempt thereof. § 168-a(2) (citing N.Y. Penal Law § § 130.25, 130.30, 130.40, 130.45, 130.60 (McKinney 1987 & Supp. 1996)). "Sexually violent offenses" include, for example, convictions for rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, and sexual abuse in the first degree, and convictions for attempt thereof. § 168-a(3) (citing N.Y. Penal Law § § 130.35, 130.50, 130.65 (McKinney 1987 & Supp. 1996)).


[**10]

[*607] Sex offenders, including those incarcerated when the Act took effect, are required to register with the Division of Criminal Justice Services (the "DCJS") within 10 days after discharge, parole, or release. § § 168-e(1), 168-f(1). Sex offenders who were "on parole or probation" on the effective date of the Act are also required to register. § 168-g(2). Sex offenders must register annually for ten years as well as "within ten calendar days prior to any change of address." § § 168-f(2), (4), 168-h. A "sexually violent predator," defined as a person convicted of a "sexually violent offense" or a "sex offender" who suffers from a "mental abnormality" that makes him or her "likely to engage in predatory sexual conduct," must register annually and personally verify his or her registration at "the local law enforcement agency" every 90 days for at least ten years and potentially for life. § § 168-a(7), 168-f(3), 168-h, 168-l(6)(c).

To register, sex offenders must provide such identifying information as name, date of birth, sex, race, height, weight, eye color, driver's license number, and home address. They must also provide a description of the offense, the date of conviction, and the sentence [**11] imposed as well as a photograph and fingerprints. § § 168-b, 168-i. (See Stip. P 17).

The failure to register as required by the Act is a crime. § 168-t. Since the Act took effect, at least six prosecutions have been brought in New York State against individuals who allegedly failed to register. (Stip. P 45). Any sex offender required to register under the Act may petition the sentencing court to be relieved of the duty to register. § 168-o.

3. Notification

The Act provides for three levels of notification to law enforcement agencies and/or the public based on the risk of a "re-offense" and the danger to the public. § 168-l(6). Based on an offender's risk level, notification is made either to law enforcement agencies only or to "any entity with vulnerable populations." § 168-l(6)(b). The Act does not define the term "any entity with vulnerable populations," but the Act does provide that "any entity receiving information on a sex offender may disclose or further disseminate such information at [its] discretion." Id.

If the risk of a repeat offense is "low," the sex offender is assigned risk level one and only notification to law enforcement agencies is authorized. [**12] § 168-l(6)(a). If the risk of a repeat offense is "moderate," the offender is assigned risk level two and the police may disseminate to "any entity with vulnerable populations" an approximate address based on the sex offender's zip code, a photograph, and background information. If the risk of a repeat offense is "high," the offender is assigned risk level three and the police may disseminate the offender's "exact address." § 168-l(6)(c). Moreover, a level three offender is also to be included in a "subdirectory of sexually violent predators" that contains an exact address, other identifying information, and a photograph. The subdirectory, which will be available statewide, will have listings by county and zip code, with copies to be distributed annually to local police departments for public access. A written request will be required before access to the subdirectory is given. § § 168-l(6)(c), 168-q.

Classification of a sex offender at level one, two, or three is determined by consideration of approximately 15 statutory factors that are used to assess the likelihood that an offense will be repeated. (Stip. P 22, citing § 168-l). In addition, the Board of Examiners of Sex Offenders [**13] is required to "develop guidelines and procedures to assess the risk of a repeat offense" and the "threat posed to public safety." (Stip. P 28, citing § 168-l(5)).

Finally, identifying information about all registrants -- whether level one, two, or three -- also will be available to the public through a special "900" telephone number, which was scheduled to become operational on March 8, 1996. Callers to the 900 number will not be able to obtain information about any person unless they first provide some [*608] identifying information that reasonably identifies the person in question as a registrant. Moreover, the telephone calls will be recorded and callers will be required to identify themselves. § 168-p. The unauthorized release of any information is a crime. § 168-u. The registry may be made available "to any regional or national registry of sex offenders for the purpose of sharing information." § 168-b(2).


B. The Facts

1. Plaintiffs

Plaintiff John Doe was convicted of attempted rape in the first degree in New York in 1990 and was sentenced to a period of incarceration. He was released on parole in 1994 and has remained on parole since then without incident. [**14] (Stip. P 6). On February 5, 1996, while on parole, Doe received notification that he had been classified as a level three sex offender and that he was thus "subject to lifetime registration and . . . must register quarterly." (Stip. P 39). He was advised that he could petition the sentencing court to be relieved from registering, but not for "at least 10 years." (Id.).

Plaintiff Richard Roe was convicted of sexual abuse in the first degree in New York in 1995. He was sentenced to probation and has remained on probation without incident since then. (Stip. P 7). Roe was also assigned risk level three. (Stip. P 42).

Plaintiff Samuel Poe was convicted of attempted sodomy in the first degree in New York in 1989 and was sentenced to a period of incarceration. He presently is entitled to immediate conditional release from prison and will be paroled when the Division of Parole approves his residence. In accordance with the Act, he will be required to appear before the state court for classification prior to release on parole. (Stip. P 8).

Plaintiffs sue on behalf of themselves as well as all others similarly situated -- all persons who currently are (or in the future will be) incarcerated [**15] in a New York State prison or jail or on parole or probation after having been convicted of a "sex offense" or "sexually violent offense" as defined in the Act, committed prior to the effective date of the Act, January 21, 1996, and who have been or will be subject to the Act's registration and notification provisions. (Cmplt. P 35). I have not certified a class because defendants have agreed to be bound by any rulings in this case and to apply them to plaintiffs and all similarly situated sex offenders. (Stip. P 4).

2. Defendants

Named as defendants in this lawsuit, in their official capacities, are Governor Pataki; Paul Shechtman, the Commissioner of DCJS; Brion Travis, Chairman of the Board of Parole of the New York State Division of Parole Services; George Sanchez, Director of the New York State Division of Probation; and Elizabeth M. Devane, Chairperson of the New York State Board of Examiners of Sex Offenders; and the New York State Board of Examiners of Sex Offenders. Defendants are the individuals responsible for the implementation of the Act and the agencies involved in its operation. (See generally Stip. PP 9-13, 27-29).

3. Application of Sex Offender [**16] Laws

In support of their prior motion for a preliminary injunction, plaintiffs submitted bits of anecdotal evidence detailing some of the effects that the Act and similar sex offender laws had on registrants. The parties have now significantly enhanced the record, and I have been provided with details, by stipulation and otherwise, of the results of application of the Act in New York and application of similar sex offender laws in New Jersey and other states. These facts are undisputed and may be summarized as follows:

a. New York

Prior to the entry of the Court's temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in this case, three convicted sex offenders in New York had been subjected to the Act's public notification provisions. (Stip. P 46). The parties have stipulated as to the facts of those incidents as follows:

On January 29, 1996, the Westchester County District Attorney alerted the media that Joseph Rossillo, who had been convicted [*609] for statutory rape and was scheduled to be sentenced to probation, would also receive a hearing to determine his classification level under the Act. Reporters kept a constant vigil outside Rossillo's home for several days. [**17] (Stip. P 47).

On February 26, 1996, the superintendent of the Cornwall Central School District Community distributed a written notice that she had been advised of the release of an unnamed sex offender into that community from prison. After local newspapers published several articles about the release of a "sexually violent predator" into the community, police identified the individual as Mark Iannolo and released his exact street address and a photograph. Although his crime had been against an adult woman, Iannolo was branded in the community as a child molester. (Stip. P 48).

On March 5, 1996, the superintendent of an upstate New York school district sent a mass mailing to all residents of the district after being informed by police that a sex offender had moved into the community following his release from prison. The letter identified the individual by name and specific street address. After the mailing, the individual was fired from his job, members of his family were harassed, his brother received "ominous, anonymous" telephone calls, and an attempt was made to break into his home. (Stip. P 49).

b. New Jersey

The parties also stipulated as to the facts of the following [**18] incidents in New Jersey:

Carlos Diaz, a convicted sex offender, was literally driven out of town after a crowd of news vans, reporters, and members of the Guardian Angels set up a round-the-clock stakeout outside his mother's apartment, where he had been living. The Guardian Angels posted "wanted" posters for Diaz throughout the neighborhood and made public threats against Diaz and his family. Local politicians and community leaders also made statements condemning him and objecting to the presence of his family in the community. Eventually, after effectively having been held prisoner in her own apartment for a week, Diaz's mother fled the home as well. (Stip. P 55).

Another individual, who had been convicted in 1986 of a sex offense involving his 16-year old stepdaughter, was released from prison in 1995. Shortly thereafter, the local police circulated his name and photograph in the community with a statement that he posed a danger to children. After his neighbors started calling him a "child molester," his landlord locked him out of his apartment. He was physically attacked three times. (Stip. P 57).

Other New Jersey sex offenders subjected to community notification suffered similar [**19] consequences: the loss of employment; threats of violence; property damage; being forced from their homes; and other public harassment. (Stip. PP 58, 61, 62, 63, 64). In addition, the mother-in-law of a convicted sex offender was intimidated on two occasions by strangers who attempted to force their way into her home while demanding information about the whereabouts of the sex offender and his family. (Stip. P 59).

Finally, in perhaps the most bizarre incident in New Jersey, two men broke into a house that police had identified as the home of a convicted sex offender. They attacked the wrong man -- a visitor who was spending the night in the house. He suffered serious injuries to his shoulder, neck, and back, and because of the resulting publicity and mistaken impression that he was a sex offender, he lost his business. Moreover, his children and fiancee were ridiculed and harassed. (Stip. P 56).

The United States, as amicus curiae, has submitted evidence of instances in which community notification in New Jersey might have prevented released sex offenders from repeating their crimes. (Alter Aff., Exh. F). In one incident, a teacher's aide who had learned about the presence in [**20] the community of a released convicted sex offender called the police to report that the individual had been in contact with a child. After investigating, the police learned that the individual had attended a child's birthday party and had invited a nine-year old to his home for ice cream. These activities violated the individual's conditions of parole and his parole [*610] was revoked as a result. (Alter Aff., Exh. F at P 4).

There were at least two other incidents in which released convicted sex offenders violated the terms of their parole by being in the company of children. These violations were brought to the attention of the authorities as a result of community notification. (Alter Aff., Exh. F at PP 5, 7).

c. Washington

The parties also stipulated as to a series of events in the State of Washington:

In 1993, soon after police disclosed that Joseph Gallardo, who had been convicted of raping a 10-year old girl, was about to be released from prison, his home was burned to the ground by an arsonist. He relocated to New Mexico, but after Washington police notified his new community of his presence, he was forced to move again. (Stip. P 50).

Another Washington sex offender [**21] was evicted from the trailer park where he resided after he had become the object of a campaign of harassment and intimidation. He thereafter was forced to leave a second community after citizens there posted fliers with his photograph. He lost three jobs before he was forced to leave Washington State. (Stip. P 51).

The adoptive family of a 12-year old who had been classified as a "sexual predator" was evicted from its home after the child was released from a juvenile facility. (Stip. P 51). Two other sex offenders were forced to relocate by residents of Tacoma, Washington. (Stip. P 52). A Washington gas station that employed a sex offender became the target of a boycott by persons who urged customers to stay away because a "sex offender works here." (Stip. P 54).

Finally, in another incident, after police notification of a sex offender's presence in a community, private citizens circulated posters bearing the individual's picture. The police characterized the posters as having a "vigilante edge." The individual was thereafter attacked by a stranger who knocked on his door, called him a "pervert," and punched him in the mouth. (Stip. P 53).

In addition to the facts set forth in [**22] the Stipulation, the United States submitted a report, published in December 1993, on Washington's Community Notification Law. (Alter Aff., Exh. A) (the "Washington Report"). The Washington State Institute for Public Policy surveyed sheriffs in all 39 of Washington's counties as well as the chiefs of police of Washington's ten largest cities in March 1993. Some 88 percent responded. The Washington Report shows that in the first three years of the law, 14 acts of harassment had been directed at released sex offenders (and in half of those incidents, at their families or friends as well) following notification. (pp. ii, 7).

d. California

California has been operating a 900 telephone service that provides information about its registered sex offenders since January 1995. (Stip. PP 65, 66). There are approximately 46,000 sex offenders registered under the California Child Protective Act of 1994 as individuals who may victimize children. (Stip. PP 66, 68). Certain precautions have been implemented in an effort to prevent abuse of any information provided through the 900 number. (Stip. PP 69-72). California also maintains a publicly available subdirectory of some 900 high risk [**23] sex offenders. (Stip. P 80-81). Fewer than ten complaints have been received about California's program, and most have been from registrants. (Stip. P 84). The California Department of Justice has not received any reports from law enforcement indicating that the disclosure of any information about a sex offender has been followed by acts of harassment or discrimination or the commission of a crime against the registrant. (Stip. P 86).

e. Oregon

Although the parties did not stipulate as to any facts concerning application of a sex offender law in Oregon, the United States submitted a report, published by the Oregon Department of Corrections in January 1995, on "Sex Offender Community Notification in Oregon." (Alter Aff., Exh. B) (the "Oregon Report"). The Oregon Report concludes:


[*611] Although there has been some harassment of offenders, only a few problems have been experienced. Most results have been positive. The notification process has improved community communication. It has also provided motivation for many offenders to more actively participate in treatment.


(p. 5). The Oregon Report recommends that "Community Notification should continue . . . ." (p. [**24] 6).

The Oregon Report notes that less than 10% of the offenders were reported to have experienced "some form of harassment," which included "name calling, graffiti, toilet papering and minor property vandalism, monitoring of a home by a video camera, repeated reports of unfounded violations to parole/probation officers, and picketing of residences." (p. 12). Two "extreme" cases were reported: one sex offender had a gun pointed at him and another was falsely accused of slashing someone's tires and was threatened with having his house burned down. (Id.). One sex offender committed suicide after he was informed that community notification would occur; although the Oregon Report states that "it is unclear whether notification caused his suicide," it also notes that the suicide occurred just ten days after notification. (p. 13).

Finally, the Oregon Report noted other circumstances that apparently were not included in the harassment category noted above:


Community notification has made it more difficult to find residences for some sex offenders released from prison. Release plans have fallen apart just before release, leaving no time to develop appropriate alternate placements. [**25] Convicted sex offenders have been asked to move out by those they live with or have been evicted by landlords. Relatives are less willing to allow a convicted sex offender to reside with them once there is awareness that notification will occur. Some offenders, because of harassment, have chosen to move to new neighborhoods. Community transition programs, halfway houses, and other supervised placements, similarly have become more reluctant to take in sex offenders. Because these programs want to maintain a low profile in the community, they will not allow placement of a high profile sex offender, fearing that the publicity will bring the program into the public eye and force closure of the programs.


. . . .


Notification has affected employment opportunities for sex offenders. . . .


Businesses who were initially willing quietly to employ a sex offender sometimes do not provide jobs when the hiring will clearly become public. . . .


(pp. 13-14).


C. Prior Proceedings

This case was filed on March 6, 1996, two days before New York's 900 telephone number service was to become operational. Plaintiffs immediately moved by order to show cause for a preliminary [**26] injunction and a temporary restraining order. On March 7, 1996, after hearing preliminary arguments on the issues raised by plaintiffs' motion, I issued a temporary restraining order, enjoining defendants from enforcing the notification provisions of the Act.

On March 18, 1996, I heard full arguments on the motion for a preliminary injunction. At the conclusion of the hearing, I continued the restraining order pending a decision on plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction.

On March 21, 1996, I decided the motion and held that the Act's notification provisions were punitive in nature. I issued a preliminary injunction enjoining their retroactive application pending the outcome of this lawsuit. Doe v. Pataki, 919 F. Supp. 691, 693, 700-02 (S.D.N.Y. 1996). n3 I declined, however, to enjoin retroactive application of the Act's registration provisions because I did not believe that plaintiffs would suffer irreparable [*612] harm if they were simply required to register. Id. at 693, 698.



n3 Defendants have advised the Court of their intent to implement the public notification provisions of the Act with respect to individuals who committed their offenses after January 21, 1996. (Letter from Assistant Attorney General Rosemary DiBenedetto, dated August 28, 1996). Of course, my preliminary injunction only enjoined enforcement of the public notification provisions against individuals whose crimes were committed before the Act took effect.


[**27]

My decision was not appealed. Instead, the parties conducted expedited discovery. These cross-motions for summary judgment followed.

DISCUSSION

Plaintiffs contend that the Act, as applied to individuals convicted of sex offenses prior to its passage, violates the Ex Post Facto Clause of the United States Constitution. In addition, they contend that the Act has been applied to individuals who were on parole or probation when the Act became effective in a manner that is inconsistent not only with the terms of the Act but also with the Due Process Clause. I will address first the Ex Post Facto claim and then the statutory and Due Process claims.


A. The Ex Post Facto Claim

The Ex Post Facto Clause invalidates legislative measures that "retroactively . . . increase the punishment for criminal acts." See California Dep't of Corrections v. Morales, 131 L. Ed. 2d 588, 115 S. Ct. 1597, 1601 (1995) (quoting Collins v. Youngblood, 497 U.S. 37, 43, 111 L. Ed. 2d 30, 110 S. Ct. 2715 (1990)). There is no dispute that the Act applies retroactively. Thus, the central question is whether the Act increases the punishment for sex offenses or whether, as defendants [**28] contend, the Act simply regulates and protects.

To analyze the issue, I will first review the definition and purposes of punishment and the purposes of the Ex Post Facto Clause. I will then review the case law on the constitutionality of sex offender registration and notification laws as well as on the question of "punishment" in other contexts to identify the factors that must be considered in determining whether government regulatory action constitutes punishment. Finally, I will apply these considerations and factors to the notification and registration provisions of the Act.

1. Punishment

In the most basic terms, punishment is, in the context of the justice system, the imposition of a penalty -- a suffering in right, person, or property -- for the commission of a crime. See Farmer v. Brennan, 511 U.S. 825, 114 S. Ct. 1970, 1988, 128 L. Ed. 2d 811 (1994) (Blackmun, J., concurring). Traditionally, punishment has been considered to have four purposes: retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation, and incarceration (sometimes referred to as incapacitation or protection). See generally United States v. Brown, 381 U.S. 437, 458, 14 L. Ed. 2d 484, 85 S. Ct. 1707 (1965) [**29] ("Punishment serves several purposes; retributive, rehabilitative, deterrent -- and preventative."); see also Trop v. Dulles, 356 U.S. 86, 111, 2 L. Ed. 2d 630, 78 S. Ct. 590 (1958) (Brennan, J., concurring) ("Rehabilitation is but one of the several purposes of the penal law. Among other purposes are deterrents of the wrongful act by the threat of punishment and insulation of society from dangerous individuals by imprisonment or execution."); Toni M. Massaro, Shame, Culture, and American Criminal Law, 89 Mich. L. Rev. 1880, 1890 (1991) ("Classical penology identifies four ends of punishment of criminal offenders: retribution, rehabilitation, deterrence, and incapacitation.").

The goal of retribution is to give the offender what he "deserves." See generally H.L.A. Hart, Punishment and Responsibility 233-35 (1968); H. Packer, The Limits of the Criminal Sanction 38 (1968); Black's Law Dictionary at 1317 (6th ed. 1990) (retribution as a theory of punishment is "based strictly on the fact that every crime demands payment in the form of punishment"). In doing so, the punishment satisfies a societal need to avenge the harm, rather than a desire to rehabilitate or deter [**30] the offender. As Justice Stewart wrote in his concurrence in Furman v. Georgia,


The instinct for retribution is part of the nature of man, and channelling that instinct in the administration of criminal justice serves an important purpose in promoting the stability of a society governed by law.


[*613] 408 U.S. 238, 308, 33 L. Ed. 2d 346, 92 S. Ct. 2726 (1972).

2. The Ex Post Facto Clause

Article I, § 10, of the Constitution forbids the States from enacting any "ex post facto Law." The Supreme Court first interpreted this phrase in Calder v. Bull, 3 U.S. (3 Dall.) 386, 1 L. Ed. 648 (1798). There, Justice Chase explained that the Ex Post Facto Clause prohibited state governments from passing laws that had the effect of punishing citizens for conduct after the fact. Specifically, Justice Chase noted four types of laws that the Ex Post Facto Clause prohibited:


1st. Every law that makes an action done before the passing of the law, and which was innocent when done, criminal; and punishes such action. 2d. Every law that aggravates a crime, or makes it greater than it was, when committed. 3d. Every law that changes the punishment, and inflicts a greater punishment, [**31] than the law annexed to the crime, when committed. 4th. Every law that alters the legal rules of evidence, and receives less, or different, testimony, than the law required at the time of the commission of the offence, in order to convict the offender.


Id. at 390. Here, plaintiffs argue that the Act offends the third prong of Justice Chase's formulation and contend that the Act changed the punishment for certain sex crimes, inflicting greater punishment than what existed when these crimes were committed.

The definition of ex post facto laws has remained relatively constant through time and has been repeatedly reaffirmed by the Supreme Court. See, e.g., Collins v. Youngblood, 497 U.S. 37, 42, 111 L. Ed. 2d 30, 110 S. Ct. 2715 (1990); Beazell v. Ohio, 269 U.S. 167, 169-70, 70 L. Ed. 216, 46 S. Ct. 68 (1925); Fletcher v. Peck, 10 U.S. (6 Cranch) 87, 138, 3 L. Ed. 162 (1810). Indeed, this prohibition against ex post facto laws was critically important to the drafters of our Constitution and remains a fundamental "constitutional bulwark in favor of personal security and private rights." The Federalist No. 44, at 301 (James Madison).

Prohibitions against [**32] ex post facto laws date as far back as the time of the ancient Greeks. As Justice Scalia has explained, "the presumption against retroactive legislation is deeply rooted in our jurisprudence, and embodies a legal doctrine centuries older than our Republic." Landgraf v. USI Film Products, 511 U.S. 244, 114 S. Ct. 1483, 1497 n.17, 128 L. Ed. 2d 229 (1994) (quoting Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corp. v. Bonjorno, 494 U.S. 827, 842-44, 855-56, 108 L. Ed. 2d 842, 110 S. Ct. 1570 (1990) (Scalia, J., concurring)). In Kaiser Aluminum, Justice Scalia wrote:


The principle that the legal effect of conduct should ordinarily be assessed under the law that existed when the conduct took place has timeless and universal human appeal. It was recognized by the Greeks, see 2 P. Vinogradoff, Outlines of Historical Jurisprudence 139-140 (1922), by the Romans, see Justinian Code, Book 1, Title 14, § 7, by English common law, see 3 H. Bracton, De Legibus et Consuetudinibus Angliae 531 (T. Twiss trans. 1880); Smead, 20 Minn.L.Rev., at 776-778, and the Code of Napoleon, Prelim. Title, Art. I, cl. 2 (B. Barrett trans. 1811). It has long been a solid foundation of American [**33] law.


Id. at 855.

The Ex Post Facto Clause serves two basic purposes. First, the clause is designed to ensure that legislative acts "'give fair warning of their effect and permit individuals to rely on their meaning until explicitly changed.'" Miller v. Florida, 482 U.S. 423, 430, 96 L. Ed. 2d 351, 107 S. Ct. 2446 (1987) (quoting Weaver v. Graham, 450 U.S. 24, 28-29, 67 L. Ed. 2d 17, 101 S. Ct. 960 (1981)). This purpose has little to do with people actually changing their behavior; rather, it stems from the basic constitutional principle that it is fundamentally fair for people to know the law before they act. "Elementary considerations of fairness dictate that individual should have an opportunity to know what the law is and to conform their conduct accordingly; settled expectations should not be lightly disrupted." Landgraf, 114 S. Ct. at 1497 (emphasis added). Thus, fundamental fairness dictates that individuals are entitled to [*614] the opportunity to know the law before they act; it is simply irrelevant, for constitutional purposes, whether people actually change their behavior.

Second, the clause is designed to prevent legislatures from imposing arbitrary [**34] or vindictive legislation on individuals or classes of individuals. Miller, 482 U.S. at 429; Weaver, 450 U.S. at 29; see also James v. United States, 366 U.S. 213, 247 n.3, 6 L. Ed. 2d 246, 81 S. Ct. 1052 (1961) (Harlan, J., concurring in part and dissenting in part); Malloy v. South Carolina, 237 U.S. 180, 183, 59 L. Ed. 905, 35 S. Ct. 507 (1915). As the Court stated in Weaver:


The presence or absence of an affirmative, enforceable right is not relevant . . . to the ex post facto prohibition, which forbids the imposition of punishment more severe than the punishment assigned by law when the act to be punished occurred. Critical to relief under the Ex Post Facto Clause is not an individual's right to less punishment, but the lack of fair notice and governmental restraint when the legislature increases punishment beyond what was prescribed when the crime was consummated. Thus, even if a statute merely alters penal provisions accorded by the grace of the legislature, it violates the Clause if it is both retrospective and more onerous than the law in effect on the date of the offense.


Weaver, 450 U.S. at 30 (footnote omitted). Thus, the [**35] Ex Post Facto Clause provides a check against legislative abuses. Specifically, it prevents legislatures from responding to political pressures to impose retroactive legislation to harm unpopular groups. See City of Richmond v. J.A. Croson Co., 488 U.S. 469, 513, 102 L. Ed. 2d 854, 109 S. Ct. 706 (1989) (Stevens, J., concurring). Also, it prevents legislatures from "sweeping away settled expectations suddenly and without individualized consideration." Landgraf, 114 S. Ct. at 1497.

The purposes of the Ex Post Facto Clause are important not just from the point of view of the individuals subjected to retroactive punishment; rather, they are important to society as a whole. As Justice Stein stated in his dissent in Doe v. Poritz, 142 N.J. 1, 662 A.2d 367 (N.J. 1995):


The Constitution's prohibition against ex post facto laws reflects an enduring value that transcends the most pressing concerns of this or any day and age. Today, our concern is with prior sex offenders; in the 1950's the legislative concern focused on Communists; and in the 1860's Congress was determined to punish legislatively those who had supported the Confederacy. Future legislatures will doubtlessly [**36] find reasons to deal harshly with other groups that pose an apparent threat to the public safety.


Id. at 441. See also Cummings v. Missouri, 71 U.S. (4 Wall) 277, 322, 18 L. Ed. 356 (1866) (Ex Post Facto Clause was adopted because "'the framers of the Constitution viewed with some apprehension the violent acts which might grow out of the feelings of the moment . . . the people of the United States, in adopting that instrument, have manifested a determination to shield themselves and their property from the effects of those sudden and strong passions to which men are exposed'") (quoting Fletcher v. Peck, 10 U.S. (6 Cranch) 87, 137-38, 3 L. Ed. 162 (1810)).

For all these reasons, the Ex Post Facto Clause requires courts to give careful consideration to any retroactive legislation.

3. The Case Law on Government Action as "Punishment"

In analyzing whether the Act is "punitive," two groups of cases must be reviewed: (a) the cases deciding the constitutionality of sex offender registration and notification laws and (b) the cases addressing whether other types of government action constituted "punishment" for purposes of the Ex Post Facto Clause and other [**37] constitutional provisions, including the Double Jeopardy Clause.

a. The Megan's Law Decisions

Sex offender registration and notification laws have been the subject of much litigation. n4 [*615] Numerous state court decisions have been issued, e.g., State v. Myers, 923 P.2d 1024, 1996 Kan. LEXIS 127, 1996 WL 477060, No. 74,078 (Kan. Aug. 23, 1996) (upholding registration but holding that public disclosure provisions constituted punishment for purposes of Ex Post Facto Clause); Doe v. Poritz, 142 N.J. 1, 662 A.2d 367 (N.J. 1995) (upholding both registration and notification provisions of New Jersey Megan's Law); State v. Ward, 123 Wash. 2d 488, 869 P.2d 1062 (Wash. 1994) (upholding Washington registration law); Louisiana v. Babin, 637 So. 2d 814 (La. Ct. App. 1994) (striking down Louisiana community notification law as an ex post facto law); State v. Noble, 171 Ariz. 171, 829 P.2d 1217 (Ariz. 1992) (upholding Arizona registration law), including one by the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Monroe County, upholding the Act in all respects. People v. Afrika, 648 N.Y.S.2d 235 168 Misc. 2d 618, 1996 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 319, 1996 WL 496672, Nos. 81/0787, 91/0293 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. Monroe Co. Aug. 15, 1996).



n4 They have also been the subject of numerous law review articles. See, e.g., Michele L. Earl-Hubbard, The Child Sex Offender Registration Laws: The Punishment, Liberty Deprivation, And Unintended Results Associated with the Scarlet Letter Laws of the 1990s, 90 Nw. U. L. Rev. 788 (1996); G. Scott Rafshoon, Community Notification Of Sex Offenders: Issues Of Punishment, Privacy And Due Process, 44 Emory L.J. 1633 (1995); Lori N. Sabin, Doe v. Poritz: A Constitutional Yield To An Angry Society, 32 Cal. W.L. Rev. 331 (1996); Simeon Schopf, "Megan's Law": Community Notification And The Constitution, 29 Colum. J.L. & Soc. Probs. 117 (1995); Note, Prevention Versus Punishment: Toward A Principled Distinction In The Restraint of Released Sex Offenders, 109 Harv. L. Rev. 1711 (1996).


[**38]

Seven federal decisions on the issue of retroactive application of sex offender registration and notification laws have been brought to my attention. Only three of the cases discussed the issue of whether registration constituted punishment for purposes of the Ex Post Facto Clause and all three held that it did not. Artway v. Attorney General of New Jersey, 81 F.3d 1235, 1253-67 (3d Cir. 1996); Artway v. Attorney General of New Jersey, 876 F. Supp. 666, 688 (D.N.J. 1995), aff'd in part and vacated in part, 81 F.3d 1235 (3d Cir. 1996); Rowe v. Burton, 884 F. Supp. 1372, 1377-80 (D. Alaska 1994).

All seven decisions considered the issue of whether public notification constitutes "punishment" for purposes of the Ex Post Facto Clause, and they reached differing results. Two district judges concluded that public notification is not punishment. W.P. v. Poritz, 931 F. Supp. 1199 (D.N.J. 1996) (granting summary judgment dismissing complaint); n5 Stearns v. Gregoire, No. C95-1486D, slip op. (W.D. Wash. Apr. 12, 1996) (denying motion for preliminary injunction). Two district judges squarely concluded that public notification is punishment. Roe v. Office of [**39] Adult Probation, 938 F. Supp. 1080, 1996 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 12801, 1996 WL 494770, No. 96CV001 (D. Conn. Aug. 27, 1996) (granting motion for preliminary injunction); Artway v. Attorney General of New Jersey, 876 F. Supp. at 688-93 (granting motion for preliminary injunction). A third district judge appears to agree that public notification constitutes punishment, although he has issued two decisions, one granting a preliminary injunction and the second denying a preliminary injunction. Nitz v. Otte, No. A95-486 CI, slip op. (D. Alas. Jan. 24, 1996) (denying motion for preliminary injunction on grounds that balancing of hardships tipped against plaintiff in favor of the public); Rowe v. Burton, 884 F. Supp. at 1380 (granting motion for preliminary injunction).



n5 The district court vacated a temporary restraining order that it had previously issued restraining retroactive application of the New Jersey Megan's Law. On July 9, 1996, the Third Circuit stayed the district court's order, thus leaving the prior temporary restraining order in effect.


[**40]

The only circuit court to consider the issue of retroactive application of a sex offender registration and notification statute is the Third Circuit. In Artway, the court upheld the registration provisions of New Jersey's Megan's Law. It did not reach the constitutionality of the notification provisions, however, because it concluded that the issue was not ripe. 81 F.3d at 1251. Nonetheless, the court set forth a three-prong test for determining whether a government regulatory scheme was punitive or regulatory. n6 In dictum [*616] the court observed that the plaintiff had "marshaled strong reasons that notification would have devastating effects." Id. at 1266.



n6 The court's test was as follows: "A measure must pass a three-prong analysis -- (1) actual purpose, (2) objective purpose, and (3) effect -- to constitute non punishment." 81 F.3d at 1263. The first prong focuses simply on the legislature's subjective intent -- was the measure meant to punish or is an restriction simply incident to the regulation. Id. The second prong contains three subparts. First, whether the law can be explained solely by a remedial purpose; second, under a historical analysis, has the imposition traditionally been considered punishment; and third, if a law serves both punitive and regulatory goals, whether the punitive component historically complements the regulatory component and whether the measure operates in its "usual" manner consistent with this historically mixed purpose. Id. The third prong considers the effects of the measure -- "if the negative repercussions -- regardless of how they are justified -- are great enough, the measure must be considered punishment." Id.


[**41]

The cases take different approaches to analyzing whether the sex offender statutes in question constituted punishment. Virtually all, however, examine factors that can be grouped into four general areas: (a) the legislative intent, i.e., whether the intent of the legislature, viewed both subjectively and objectively, was to punish; (b) the design of the statute, i.e., whether the statute is designed and structured in a manner that suggests it is punitive; (c) the historical treatment of the measure in question, i.e., whether comparable measures historically were considered to be punishment; and (d) the effects of the law, i.e., whether the law has the effect of punishing. See, e.g., Artway, 81 F.3d at 1263; Roe v. Office of Adult Probation, 938 F. Supp. 1080, 1996 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 12801, 1996 WL 494770, at *8-12; W.P. v. Poritz, 931 F. Supp. at 1209; Doe v. Poritz, 662 A.2d at 404-06; People v. Afrika, 168 Misc. 2d 618, 648 N.Y.S.2d 235-6, 1996 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 319, 1996 WL 496672, at *3.

Because I conclude that public notification is punishment, it is important that I consider carefully the reasoning of the cases that hold that public notification does not constitute punishment. These cases rely on some common themes, which are echoed by defendants [**42] and amici in their briefs on these cross-motions.

First, these courts conclude that, viewed subjectively and objectively, notification statutes are "remedial" laws that are not motivated by "punitive, penal purposes." W.P v. Poritz, 931 F. Supp. at 1214; see also, e.g., Doe v. Poritz, 662 A.2d at 404 ("legislative intent [behind Megan's Law] . . . is clearly and totally remedial"). These courts rely heavily on their conclusion that these laws serve "significant remedial goals," including as the "primary focus . . . the protection of children and others from previously-convicted sex offenders, near them in the community, who have been found to have a moderate or high risk of re-offense." W.P v. Poritz, 931 F. Supp. at 1214; accord Stearns v. Gregoire, slip op. at 13 (holding, on motion for preliminary injunction, that balance of hardships tipped in favor of public).

Second, these courts also conclude that the laws are narrowly designed to limit the circumstances under which information may be released and to prevent the abuse of information that is released. W.P. v. Poritz, 931 F. Supp. at 1212-13; Stearns v. Gregoire, slip op. at 9 ("the overall [**43] design and effect of the [Washington] statute indicate a non-punitive purpose"); Doe v. Poritz, 662 A.2d at 422 ("Here government has done all it can to confine [the] impact [of notification on offenders], allowing it only where clearly necessary to effect public safety . . . .").

Third, these courts distinguish community notification from the "historical shaming punishments," such as public flogging and "branding" with a "Scarlet Letter," on the basis that "Megan's Law is not the product of a lust for retribution; it is a measured attempt to achieve remedial with attendant deterrent goals." W.P. v. Poritz, 931 F. Supp. at 1217; accord People v. Afrika, 168 Misc. 2d 618, 648 N.Y.S.2d 235, 1996 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 319, 1996 WL 496672, at *5.

Fourth, in considering the effects that notification laws have on sex offenders, these courts give little weight to the harsh results that resulted from notification because in their view such reactions were "not created by the registration and notification provisions of the sexual offenders registration law, but rather by the community's reaction to plaintiffs' prior conduct." Stearns v. Gregoire, slip op. at 10. n7 Indeed, these courts have [*617] relied heavily on the fact that much of the [**44] information disclosed through the public notification provisions was already available to the public through other means. Id. at 9-10 (public notification provisions do not create an "affirmative restraint or disability" because existing Washington law already permitted dissemination of conviction records); People v. Afrika, 168 Misc. 2d 618, 648 N.Y.S.2d 235, 1996 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 319, 1996 WL 496672, at *5 ("criminal convictions are matters of public record"). These cases also conclude that a regulatory scheme is not rendered punitive merely because it results in some negative repercussions. See Doe v. Poritz, 662 A.2d at 388; accord W.P. v. Poritz, 931 F. Supp. at 1212-13, 1218-19; Stearns v. Gregoire, slip op. at 10-11; People v. Afrika, 168 Misc. 2d 618, 648 N.Y.S.2d 235, 1996 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 319, 1996 WL 496672, at *5.



n7 See also W.P. v. Poritz, 931 F. Supp. at 1211-12 (the "few highly publicized incidents of vigilantism involving assault, arson, and death threats against sex offenders following notification" could not be included "within the statutory bounds of Megan's Law"); Doe v. Poritz, 662 A.2d at 376 ("This Court has no right to assume that the public will be punitive when the Legislature was not, that the public, instead of protecting itself as the laws intended, will attempt to destroy the lives of those subject to the laws . . . .").


[**45]

Although the cases that have held that notification is not punishment do consider other factors, they rely most heavily on one factor -- legislative intent. The cases repeatedly emphasize that the purpose of these laws is not to punish, but to protect. See, e.g., People v. Afrika, 168 Misc. 2d 618, 648 N.Y.S.2d 235, 1996 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 319, 1996 WL 496672, at *6 ("Vigilance without vengeance . . . against those who have proven to be threats to society does not embody punishment.").

b. Other "Punishment" Decisions

Over the years the Supreme Court has struggled with the issue of whether other types of governmental action constituted "punishment," not only in the context of the Ex Post Facto Clause but also in the contexts of the Double Jeopardy Clause, the Excessive Fines Clause, and the Fifth and Sixth Amendment safeguards for individuals subjected to proceedings of a punitive nature. The Supreme Court's most recent decision on the subject of whether government action constituted "punishment" is United States v. Ursery, 135 L. Ed. 2d 549, 116 S. Ct. 2135 (1996), decided on June 24, 1996, on which defendants and amici heavily rely. n8



n8 In Artway, the Third Circuit addressed the issues without the benefit of the Supreme Court's decision in Ursery. In W.P. v. Poritz, the district court declined to follow the approach adopted by the Third Circuit in Artway largely because it believed that Ursery "alters the analysis" to be employed in considering the issue of whether public notification constitutes punishment. 931 F. Supp. at 1207-08.


[**46]

In Ursery, the Supreme Court held that civil forfeiture was not "punishment" for purposes of the Double Jeopardy Clause. 116 S. Ct. at 2149. In reaching this conclusion, the Court applied a two-stage analysis. First, it reviewed Congress' intent in creating the civil forfeiture statute. Second, it analyzed "'whether the statutory scheme was so punitive either in purpose or effect as to negate' Congress' intention to establish a civil remedial mechanism." Id. at 2142 (quoting United States v. Ward, 448 U.S. 242, 248-49, 65 L. Ed. 2d 742, 100 S. Ct. 2636 (1980)). n9



n9 The Second Circuit recently applied Ursery in holding that civil forfeiture was not criminal or punitive for purposes of the Ex Post Facto Clause. United States v. Certain Funds, 96 F.3d 20, 1996 U.S. App. LEXIS 23606, 1996 WL 521188, No. 2234 (2d Cir. Sept. 6, 1996). Although Ursery was a Double Jeopardy Clause case, the Second Circuit held that its analysis was "equally applicable" to the issue in the context of the Ex Post Facto Clause. Id. at *6.


The Court [**47] took particular care in distinguishing three earlier cases that had addressed the definition of punishment. See 116 S. Ct. at 2142-47 (discussing Dep't of Revenue of Montana v. Kurth Ranch, 511 U.S. 767, 128 L. Ed. 2d 767, 114 S. Ct. 1937 (1994); Austin v. United States, 509 U.S. 602, 125 L. Ed. 2d 488, 113 S. Ct. 2801 (1993); United States v. Halper, 490 U.S. 435, 104 L. Ed. 2d 487, 109 S. Ct. 1892 (1989). n10 Specifically, the Court [*618] addressed the impact of these cases on its "traditional understanding that civil forfeiture does not constitute punishment for the purpose of the Double Jeopardy Clause." 116 S. Ct. at 2147. After reviewing each case in detail, it concluded that these cases had not altered settled precedent holding that "in rem civil forfeitures are neither 'punishment' nor criminal for purposes of the Double Jeopardy Clause." 116 S. Ct. at 2149. n11



n10 In Kurth Ranch, the Court held that a tax imposed on the possession of illegal drugs constituted "punishment" for purposes of the Double Jeopardy Clause. 114 S. Ct. at 1948. In Austin, the Court concluded that the in rem forfeiture of property used in illegal narcotics transaction was "punishment" for purposes of the Excessive Fines Clause of Eighth Amendment, which limits the government's "power to punish" by prohibiting the imposition of "excessive fines" as punishment. 509 U.S. at 608-10, 622. Finally, in Halper, the Court held that a civil penalty imposed under the False Claims Act may constitute "punishment" for purposes of the Double Jeopardy Clause if the penalty is so disproportionate that it "may not fairly be characterized as remedial, but only as a deterrent or retribution." 490 U.S. at 448-49. [**48]




n11 The Court distinguished Kurth Ranch by concluding that the tax proceeding at issue there was different from an in rem civil forfeiture. 116 S. Ct. at 2144-47. It distinguished Austin by concluding that the Excessive Fines Clause at issue there presented issues different from those presented by the Double Jeopardy Clause. 116 S. Ct. at 2146-47. It distinguished Halper by concluding that in personam civil penalties were different from in rem civil forfeitures. 116 S. Ct. at 2144.


In reaching its holding, the Court emphasized three factors in particular. First, it noted that civil forfeiture historically had not been regarded as punishment. Id. at 2147, 2149; see also Gomez v. United States, 1996 WL 406781, No. CV-95-1020, at *2 (E.D.N.Y. July 3, 1996) (noting the Court's emphasis on historical nature of civil forfeiture). Second, it contrasted the in rem nature of civil forfeiture with the in personam proceedings at issue in the other "punishment" cases. Ursery, 116 S. Ct. at 2141; see also United States v. Reyes, 87 F.3d 676, 682 n.8 (5th Cir. [**49] 1996) ("The Ursery opinion . . . gives heavy emphasis to the in rem nature of the forfeitures there at issue, and distinguishes Halper and Kurth Ranch largely because those cases involved in personam proceedings."). Third, it found that, while having certain punitive aspects, civil forfeiture served important nonpunitive goals. Ursery, 116 S. Ct. at 2148. n12



n12 While Ursery is helpful and must, of course, be carefully considered, it does not mandate a finding that the Act is regulatory and not punitive. Indeed, if anything, Ursery supports the conclusion that notification is punitive, for the Court emphasized, repeatedly, that civil forfeiture was an in rem proceeding brought against property. The Court contrasted in rem forfeiture proceedings with punitive or potentially punitive in personam proceedings. 116 S. Ct. at 2140-41, 2142, 2147. The Act, of course, is very much an in personam measure that operates against the person.


Another important Supreme Court [**50] case relied on by defendants is De Veau v. Braisted, 363 U.S. 144, 4 L. Ed. 2d 1109, 80 S. Ct. 1146 (1960). There, a New York statute prohibited waterfront unions from collecting union dues if any officer was a convicted felon. Consequently, unions that had employed convicted felons prior to the law's passage were required to discharge them if they wished to continue collecting dues. The statute was attacked as an ex post facto law, and the issue presented was whether the statute was punitive. The Court concluded that it was not, holding:


The mark of an ex post facto law is the imposition of what can fairly be designated punishment for past acts. The question in each case where unpleasant consequences are brought to bear upon an individual for prior conduct, is whether the legislative aim was to punish that individual for past activity, or whether the restriction of the individual comes about as a relevant incident to a regulation of a present situation, such as the proper qualifications for a profession. . . . The proof is overwhelming that New York sought not to punish ex-felons, but to devise what was felt to be a much-needed scheme of regulation of the waterfront, and [**51] for the effectuation of that scheme it became important whether individuals had previously been convicted of a felony.


363 U.S. at 160. As defendants point out, other statutes that imposed restrictions on convicted felons after the fact also have survived ex post facto challenges. See, e.g., Bae v. Shalala, 44 F.3d 489, 493-96 (7th Cir. 1995) (holding that provisions of Generic Drug Enforcement Act debarring convicted felons from participating in generic drug industry are remedial and not punitive); [*619] United States v. Huss, 7 F.3d 1444, 1447-48 (9th Cir. 1993) (Oregon law that retroactively revoked right of a convicted felon to carry "long guns" was not punitive but furthered substantial and legitimate safety interests); Wiley v. Bowen, 263 U.S. App. D.C. 140, 824 F.2d 1120, 1122 (D.C. Cir. 1987) (retroactive application of amendment to Social Security Act terminating eligibility of incarcerated felons to receive "old-age" social security benefits was not punishment); see also Hawker v. New York, 170 U.S. 189, 42 L. Ed. 1002, 18 S. Ct. 573 (1898) (revoking medical license is not punishment).

In California Dep't of Corrections v. Morales, 131 L. Ed. 2d 588, [**52] 115 S. Ct. 1597 (1995), the Supreme Court rejected an ex post facto challenge to a statute that essentially reduced the entitlement of certain convicted felons (those convicted of more than one offense involving the taking of a life) to a parole eligibility hearing from once a year to once every three years. 115 S. Ct. at 1605. In doing so, however, the Court reiterated the proposition that the Ex Post Facto Clause "'forbids the application of any new punitive measure to a crime already consummated.'" 115 S. Ct. at 1601 (quoting Lindsey v. Washington, 301 U.S. 397, 401, 81 L. Ed. 1182, 57 S. Ct. 797 (1937)). The Court also made it clear that "the question of what legislative adjustments 'will be held to be of sufficient moment to transgress the constitutional prohibition' must be a matter of 'degree.'" 115 S. Ct. at 1603 (quoting Beazell v. Ohio, 269 U.S. 167, 171, 70 L. Ed. 216, 46 S. Ct. 68 (1925)). Hence, the Court in Morales certainly contemplated that a court should look at the effects of a law in determining whether it amounted to punishment. See Artway, 81 F.3d at 1260 ("Morales makes clear that a law can constitute unconstitutional 'punishment' because [**53] of its effects.").

One final Supreme Court case that warrants discussion is Kennedy v. Mendoza-Martinez, 372 U.S. 144, 9 L. Ed. 2d 644, 83 S. Ct. 554 (1963). The issue presented was whether statutes divesting Americans of their United States citizenship were "essentially penal in character" so as to require that the respondents in such proceedings be provided the procedural rights guaranteed by the Fifth and Sixth Amendments, including the rights to due process, trial by jury, confrontation of witnesses, and assistance of counsel. 372 U.S. at 164. The Court held that the sanction of divestiture of citizenship was punitive in nature. In reaching that conclusion, the Court considered what it described as "the tests traditionally applied to determine whether an Act of Congress is penal or regulatory in character":


whether the sanction involves an affirmative disability or restraint, whether it has historically been regarded as punishment, whether it comes into play only on a finding of scienter, whether its operation will promote the traditional aims of punishment -- retribution and deterrence, whether the behavior to which it applies is already a crime, whether an alternative [**54] purpose to which it may rationally be connected is assignable for it, and whether it appears excessive in relation to the alternative purpose assigned . . . .


Id. at 168-69 (footnotes omitted).

The cases that have considered the constitutionality of sex offender statutes have struggled with the issues of whether the "Mendoza-Martinez factors" should be applied and, if so, how to apply them. n13 The Supreme Court suggested in a footnote in [*620] Austin that courts should not apply the Mendoza-Martinez factors in determining whether a statute violates the Ex Post Facto Clause. 509 U.S. at 610 n.6. Some of the Mendoza-Martinez factors, however, plainly aid in the overall inquiry. Moreover, the Supreme Court itself has relied on some of these factors in reaching its decisions in Ursery, Kurth Ranch, Austin, and Halper. n14



n13 See, e.g., Artway v. Attorney General, 81 F.3d at 1262-63 (Mendoza-Martinez factors are "too indeterminate and unwieldy to provide much assistance"); Roe v. Office of Adult Probation, 938 F. Supp. 1080, 1996 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 12801, 1996 WL 494770, at *9-11 (the Mendoza-Martinez analysis is "primarily" the framework that should guide the court's inquiry); W.P. v. Poritz, 931 F. Supp. at 1209 (applying analysis "similar" to that in Kennedy v. Mendoza-Martinez, although factors considered "are not identical"); Stearns, slip op. at 6 (applying Mendoza-Martinez factors); Nitz, slip op. at 11, 17 (though noting that "the Mendoza-Martinez factors are, as a matter of logic, clearly relevant to deciding whether punishment is present," court held that it was "now disabused of the notion that consideration of the Mendoza-Martinez factors provides a guide"); Rowe, 884 F. Supp. at 1378-80 (applying Mendoza-Martinez factors); Artway v. Attorney General, 876 F. Supp. at 688-92 (applying Mendoza-Martinez factors). [**55]




n14 Indeed, although the Supreme Court in Ursery does not cite Kennedy v. Mendoza-Martinez, the Court does consider some of the same factors in addressing the issue of whether civil forfeiture was punishment. 116 S. Ct. at 2140-42, 2148-49 (considering historical treatment of civil forfeiture, whether civil forfeiture is "so punitive in form and effect" as to be criminal, whether scienter is required, whether civil forfeiture serves purpose of deterrence, whether civil forfeiture is tied to criminal activity). See also Kurth Ranch, 114 S. Ct. at 1946 (analyzing whether tax serves goals of punishment, whether tax was conditioned on commission of a crime, and whether behavior to which tax applies is already a crime); Austin, 509 U.S. at 610-15 (analyzing whether forfeiture was historically regarded as punishment); Halper, 490 U.S. at 448-49 (analyzing whether fine was punishment because it was excessive in relation to regulatory purpose asserted by the government).


4. An Analytical Approach

As the foregoing review of the case law demonstrates, the Supreme Court has [**56] not established, nor have the lower courts reached consensus on, a definitive "test" for determining whether government action constitutes punishment for purposes of the Ex Post Facto Clause. Nor do the parties in the instant case agree on the appropriate test to apply. Relying on Ursery, defendants advocate a two-step approach that examines "(1) whether a measure was intended to remedy a present situation rather than to punish past conduct and, (2) if so, whether the measure's overall design bears out that remedial purpose." (Def. Mem. at 12). Not surprisingly, plaintiffs prefer the historical and functional approach that I took in granting the preliminary injunction in this case with respect to the notification provisions. See 919 F. Supp. at 699-700. (Pl. Mem. at 19-20; Pl. Reply Mem. at 5).

Defendants' approach must be rejected, for it would eliminate consideration of the "effects" of the Act as well as the historical treatment of registration and notification. Virtually all the relevant cases -- including Ursery and W.P. Poritz, upon which defendants so heavily rely -- consider the "effects" of a law as well as the historical factors. See also Morales, 115 [**57] S. Ct. at 1603. Unfortunately, there is no "magic formula" that one can apply to determine whether government action is "punitive." Rather, one must look at the totality of the circumstances, keeping in mind the definition and purposes of punishment and the purposes of the Ex Post Facto Clause, to determine whether a government measure constitutes punishment.

In looking at the totality of circumstances, the most logical approach, and the approach most consistent with the Supreme Court case law on whether government action is "punishment," is to analyze the circumstances -- including some of the circumstances considered by the Court in Mendoza-Martinez -- by grouping them in the four areas that have been the subject of discussion in the other Megan's Law decisions reviewed above: (1) intent, (2) design, (3) history, and (4) effects. (See supra pp. 33-36). Before I review the Act in the context of these four areas, I must note my agreement with Judge Bissell that, regardless of the factors a court considers, the court cannot transform them into a "rigid series of hurdles" that "must be surmounted, one after the other." W.P. v. Poritz, 931 F. Supp. at 1209. Rather, the factors [**58] must be considered in a "less structured fashion," id., and the question of what "legislative adjustments" will be of "'sufficient moment'" to constitute punishment "must be a matter of 'degree.'" Morales, 115 S. Ct. at 1603 (citing Beazell v. State of Ohio, 269 U.S. 167, 171, 70 L. Ed. 216, 46 S. Ct. 68 (1925)); see also Artway, 81 F.3d at 1263 (the determination is "necessarily one of degree"). Finally, the "clearest proof" is required to show that a statute that was intended to provide a civil remedy has been transformed by its "form and effect" [*621] into a punitive measure. Ursery, 116 S. Ct. at 2148 (quoting United States v. One Assortment of 89 Firearms, 465 U.S. 354, 365, 79 L. Ed. 2d 361, 104 S. Ct. 1099 (1984) (quoting United States v. Ward, 448 U.S. 242, 249, 65 L. Ed. 2d 742, 100 S. Ct. 2636 (1980))).

I will consider the registration and notification provisions separately. Since notification is more troublesome and requires greater discussion, I will address it first.

a. Notification

(1) Intent

The starting point is the legislature's intent in passing the law in question. See Ursery, 116 S. Ct. at 2146-47; United States v. Ward, 448 U.S. at 248-49. The [**59] intent must be examined both subjectively, i.e., the stated intent of the legislature, as well as objectively, i.e., whether, even assuming the stated intent is not to punish, any "punitive goals [are] necessarily implicated" or whether the law has "mixed objectives." W.P. v. Poritz, 931 F. Supp. at 1213; see Kurth Ranch, 114 S. Ct. at 1945 ("the legislature's description of a statute as civil does not foreclose the possibility that it has a punitive character"); Collins, 497 U.S. at 46 ("simply by labeling a law [regulatory], a legislature does not thereby immunize it from scrutiny under the Ex Post Facto Clause"); see also Ursery, 116 S. Ct. at 2147; Roe v. Office of Adult Probation, 938 F. Supp. 1080, 1996 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 12801, 1996 WL 494770, at *8-9.

Here, the legislature's subjective intent, as described in the preamble to the Act, is regulatory. The preamble expresses the legislature's belief that, because of the "danger of recidivism posed by sex offenders," the public is in need of protection. The preamble further expresses the view that registration and the sharing of information with the public would assist in the investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of sex offenders. Hence, [**60] the preamble shows that, subjectively, the legislature intended the Act to be regulatory.

The inquiry into legislative intent, however, does not end with the preamble. While I have no doubt that the legislature actually intended to assist law enforcement and to protect the citizens of the state by passing notification provisions of the Act, there are strong indications that, both subjectively and objectively, the legislature also intended to punish sex offenders.

The debate minutes of the New York Assembly are most revealing. They vividly show the passion, anger, and desire to punish that members of the legislature felt toward sex offenders.

One member of the Assembly observed:

I don't know if, when [a sex offender is] released from prison, he will come back, but the statistics . . . have shown that once a pedophile, always a pedophile.


(Assembly Minutes at 383) (statement of Assemblyman Herbst) (emphasis added).

Another commented:

We are talking about innocent children here, children who are exploited by the lowest of the low. No one is lower than a person who will exploit a child. . . . We are telling those who act like that, who are like that, that [**61] we in New York have had it. We are coming out to get them and it's going to stop.

. . .

Today, vote for this bill, take a chance regardless of what it may be, the Constitution, the apprehension. Don't give the protection to the animals, don't give it to the people exploiting children, protect the children.


(Assembly Minutes at 360-61) (statement of Assemblyman Healey) (emphasis added).

Another stated:


The result of this [legislation] . . . is the fact that a sex offender who is going to come out after serving his time might rethink as to where he is going to relocate, and I think that one of the results of this legislation might be that this guy is going to go out of town, out of state, and that's very good for us.


[*622] (Assembly Minutes at 388-89) (statement of Assemblyman Weisenberg) (emphasis added).

Another observed:


I have listened to some of my colleagues talk about the constitutionality of the retroactive provisions. I have listened to people say, "Well, these people are wrongly criticized, will they be wrongfully abused in their neighborhoods?" You know what? I don't care.


(Assembly Minutes at 389-90) (statement of [**62] Assemblywoman Wirth) (emphasis added).

Yet another commented:


You know, we are talking about fairness for people who committed the ultimate crime of molestation, of rape, of a three-year-old girl, of a nine-year-old boy. We, as a society, dictate what's fair and what's right and what is just through our laws and our rules. That's what makes us all up; that's what makes government so we can dictate what's right and what's fair. And I will tell you personally, I think these people have no rights . . . .


(Assembly Minutes at 392-93) (statement of Assemblyman Manning) (emphasis added).

Yet another:


The usual defenders of the depraved, once again, we are worried about the constitutional rights of the criminals. Finally a bill addresses the right of society.


(Assembly Minutes at 393) (statement of Assemblyman Kirwan) (emphasis added).

And finally:


Repeat sexual predators, especially those that prey on children, are the human equivalent of toxic waste . . . .


(Assembly Minutes at 417) (statement of Assemblyman Tedisco) (emphasis added). n15



n15 It is plain that members of the Assembly had serious questions about the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Act, but were willing to "take a chance regardless of what it may be, the Constitution," because of their view that sex offenders did not deserve protection. (Assembly Minutes at 360-61). As a member of the Assembly who voted against the bill observed:

I also think that there is some belief that there are unconstitutional provisions in this law and that ultimately the law will be kicked back with some clarifications from the court so that we may be able to do something that's more effective and stands up under constitutional scrutiny.


(Assembly Minutes at 358) (statement of Assemblywoman Glick).

In addition, one of the sponsors of the bill essentially acknowledged that the Act was punitive to a degree by describing the effort made to "assure" that the Act would be considered "more regulatory than punitive." Assembly Minutes, at 385 (statement of Assemblyman Feldman). That statement, of course, implies that there is some measure of punishment involved.


[**63]

Clearly, at least certain members of the legislature felt that sex offenders were "depraved," "the lowest of the low," "animals," and "human equivalent of toxic waste" who, because of what they had done, because of their crimes, deserved whatever they got. Even in their motion papers now, defendants argue that "any hardships encountered by plaintiffs are caused by their own actions and are not the fault of the state." (Def. Mem. at 29). This thinking unequivocally exposes the punitive side of the Act.

Likewise, the debate minutes demonstrate clearly that the legislature was making broad generalizations and assumptions about individuals convicted of sex offenses. This fact also is indicative of a punitive intent. As the Supreme Court recently noted,


retroactive statutes raise particular concerns. The Legislature's unmatched powers allow it to sweep away settled expectations suddenly and without individualized consideration. Its responsivity to political pressure poses a risk that it may be tempted to use retroactive legislation as a means of retribution against unpopular groups or individuals. . . .


Landgraf, 114 S. Ct. at 1497 (emphasis added).

Even assuming [**64] that the legislature's only purpose in passing the Act was to protect children and other victims of sex offenses -- and it is difficult, if not impossible, to draw that conclusion in view of the debate minutes -- the effects of the Act cannot be ignored. Otherwise, virtually any punishment could be justified. See Nitz, slip op. at 12 (rejecting "the proposition that the Ex Post Facto Clause establishes no limits on legislative [*623] enactments, regardless of the severity of punishment they inflict, so long as the punishment is necessary or narrowly tailored to achieve a legitimate regulatory objective").

Indeed, states have sought to implement measures that are manifestly punitive in an effort to protect victims of sexual abuse. The State of Washington enacted a law that provided for the involuntary "civil commitment" of sex offenders -- after they completed their prison sentences -- to protect victims of sex crimes. Not surprisingly, this law was struck down on ex post facto and other grounds. See Young v. Weston, 898 F. Supp. 744 (W.D. Wash. 1995). The State of California has recently passed a bill that would provide for involuntary "chemical castration" -- regular injections [**65] of a sex-drive reducing drug -- for convicted sex offenders released on parole who refused to voluntarily submit to surgical castration. Even if these civil commitment and chemical castration schemes were motivated solely by a desire to protect, there is little doubt that they would still be punitive.

The fact that legislative bodies are resorting to these types of measures and the emotion and passion reflected by the debate minutes of the New York State Assembly confirm the appropriateness of subjecting sex offender laws to the scrutiny required by the Ex Post Facto Clause. Stirred on by the "sudden and strong passions" that result from acts of violence against children, legislatures are subjecting sex offenders as a group to the harshest of measures. It is precisely this kind of emotional reaction from our lawmakers that the Ex Post Facto Clause was intended to temper. Fletcher v. Peck, 10 U.S. (6 Cranch) 87, 137-38, 3 L. Ed. 162 (1810).

We must remember that the Ex Post Facto Clause was intended to protect all society and not just individuals subjected to punishment after the fact. Indeed, if we permit the erosion of constitutional rights even for those who are not deserving [**66] of protection -- those who may be viewed as the current epitome of evil -- all society will suffer in the long run.

(2) Design

The Act is designed in such a fashion as to suggest that it is punitive. It contains classic indicia of a punitive scheme. Its provisions are triggered by behavior that is "already a crime." Scienter is also a consideration. Kennedy v. Mendoza-Martinez, 372 U.S. at 168-69. Moreover, the Act provides for the sentencing judge to determine the level of notification. § 168-n. It also provides for consideration of victim impact statements in determining the public notification level. § 168-l(5)(i). Many of the risk factors used to determine the notification level relate to the crime or its circumstances or to the offender's criminal history. § 168-l(5)(a), (b). For example, someone who commits one of the designated "sexually violent offenses" may be required to register once every 90 days for at least ten years and potentially for life. § § 168-a(7), 168-f(3), 168-h, 168-l(6)(c). Finally, the failure to register subjects the individual to criminal prosecution or the revocation of parole. § 168-t.

Defendants argue that the Act is not punitive [**67] because it has been narrowly designed to avoid the abuse of information released about sex offenders. See W.P. v. Poritz, 931 F. Supp. at 1212-13; Stearns v. Gregoire, slip op. at 9; Doe v. Poritz, 662 A.2d at 422. The legislature has clearly made an effort to control access to and use of information about registrants. For example, access to the subdirectory will not be given without a written request. § § 168-l(6)(c), 168-q. Callers to the 900 number will not be able to obtain information unless they identify themselves and provide some information identifying the registrant about whom they are calling. Moreover, the telephone calls will be recorded. § 168-p. Finally, the unauthorized release of any information is a crime. § 168-u. Despite these efforts, as discussed below, information has been abused.

In fact, the Act is not narrowly designed, but is excessive in such a way as to suggest that it is punitive. First, it is excessive in its sweep. It covers a broad group of individuals, including first time offenders as well as individuals who do not even engage in sexual conduct. It covers 36 offenses, including seven misdemeanors. It covers a 21-year old who engages [**68] in sexual intercourse with a 16-year old (who is not a spouse). See § 168-a(2)(a) [*624] (citing N.Y. Penal Law § 130.25 (McKinney 1987)). It covers someone who engages in "incest." § 168-a(2)(a) (citing N.Y. Penal Law § 255.25 (McKinney 1989)). It covers someone who "restrains another person," as long as the victim is under 17, even if no sexual conduct is involved. § 168-a(2)(a) (citing N.Y. Penal Law § 135.05 (McKinney 1987)). While all three of these situations certainly involve criminal conduct, these are hardly compelling circumstances for the application of the Act. It is not at all clear how their inclusion furthers the purposes of the Act.

Second, the Act permits some public disclosure for all registrants, including those at the lowest risk level ("the risk of repeat offense is low"). § 168-l(6)(a). Information about all registrants is made publicly available through the 900 telephone number. (Stip. P 23). In contrast, California, which apparently is the only other state with a 900 number for information about sex offenders, only provides information about individuals convicted of sex offenses against children. (O'Connell Decl. PP 3-4). Likewise, other states [**69] do not permit any form of community notification unless there is "some evidence that the offender poses a threat to the public" or there is some evidence of "dangerousness in the future." State of Washington v. Ward, 869 P.2d at 1070; accord W.P. v. Poritz, 931 F. Supp. at 1204 (only disclosure to law enforcement permitted with respect to Tier I registrants (low risk of reoffense)). Significantly, the vast majority of the registrants under the Act have been classified at the two higher risk levels and hence are subject to additional public notification. (Stip. Concerning Classification, PP 2, 5, 6, 12, 17). The fact that public disclosure is permitted even with respect to low risk individuals suggests a punitive design.

Third, the Act permits broad and virtually uncontrolled disclosure. Law enforcement authorities may disseminate "relevant information" to "any entity with vulnerable populations." § 168-l(6)(b), (c). Such entities are then explicitly permitted to disclose further disseminate the information "at their discretion." Id.

In short, although the New York legislature did take certain precautions to limit the circumstances of notification, the Act is designed [**70] in such a fashion as to suggest that it is punitive in nature.

(3) History

One important area of consideration is whether measures similar to community notification have historically been considered punitive. There are two types of analogous measures that suggest that community notification is punitive: stigmatization and banishment.

(i) Stigmatization

Branding and badges of shame have been used as forms of punishment since colonial times. See generally Ex Parte Wilson, 114 U.S. 417, 428, 29 L. Ed. 89, 5 S. Ct. 935 (1885) ("In former times, being put in the stocks was not considered as necessarily infamous."); see also Artway v. Attorney General, 876 F. Supp. at 688 n.14. n16 These methods of punishment employed societal pressure to enforce the prevailing moral order. Colonial lawmakers hoped that the offender would feel "on his back the invisible whip of public opinion" to deter him from future wrongdoing. Lawrence M. Friedman & Harry N. Scheiber, American Law and the Constitutional Order 14 (1988).



n16 William Blackstone wrote of the use of "fixing a lasting stigma on the offender, by slitting the nostrils, or branding in the hand or cheek." 11 William Holdsworth, A History of English Law 556 (1938).


[**71]

There are numerous cases of branding and shaming in colonial America. For example, under a 1648 Massachusetts statute, a burglar was to be "branded on the forehead with the letter (B)." Friedman & Scheiber, supra, at 13. A 1701 New Hampshire adultery statute decreed that a "man and woman convicted of adultery were to be 'Sett upon the Gallows' for an hour 'with a Rope about their necks and the other [end] . . . cast over the Gallows'; afterwards they were to be severely whipt.' Moreover, the offenders would 'for ever after weare a Capitall Letter :A: of two inches long and proportionable in Bignesse, cutt out in Cloath of a contrary Colour to their Cloaths and Sewed upon their Upper [*625] Garments, on the out Side of their Arme or on their Back in open View." Lawrence M. Friedman, Crime and Punishment in American History 40 (1993) (citations omitted).

These types of punishments, including stocks and pillories, punished criminals by subjecting the offenders to public shame. As one commentator wrote, "When the pillory was employed in a simple fashion and not accompanied by any other mode of punishment, its operation was chiefly psychological, and it was designed to bring about [**72] the feeling of humiliation naturally attendant upon the infliction of public disgrace." Harry E. Barnes, The Story of Punishment: A Record of Man's Inhumanity to Man 62-63 (1930), quoted in Jon A. Brilliant, The Modern Day Scarlet Letter: A Critical Analysis of Modern Probation Conditions, 1989 Duke L.J. 1357, 1361 n.27 (1989).

Branding was used not only to inflict immediate punishment upon criminals but also to subject them to ongoing public animus based on the premise that these offenders were incorrigible. As Professor Friedman notes, "The message was that this offender was not likely to mend his ways; disgrace would and should last until death. . . . Branding and mutilation labeled a man or woman a deep-dyed sinner." Friedman, Crime and Punishment, at 40. Thus, using the power of public humiliation alone as a form of punishment has a long history in America. See People v. Letterlough, 86 N.Y.2d 259, 631 N.Y.S.2d 105, 108, 655 N.E.2d 146 (N.Y. 1995) (in holding that sentencing court was not authorized to impose condition of probation requiring defendant to affix to license plate of any vehicle he drove a sign stating "convicted dwi," court ruled that "public [**73] disclosure of a person's crime, and the attendant humiliation and public disgrace, has historically been regarded strictly as a form of punishment"); Artway v. Attorney General, 876 F. Supp. at 689 (punitive nature of public notification of one's crime dates back to biblical times, as illustrated by the phrase "the Mark of Cain").

Public notification is the modern-day equivalent of branding and shaming. Instead of using a brand or other physical mutilation, the Act employs a 900 telephone service, a subdirectory, and photocopiers. See W.P. v. Poritz, 931 F. Supp. at 1216 ("Megan's Law informs those likely to encounter the offender, assisted by the technological advances of photography and xerographic reproduction."). Instead of affixing a "scarlet letter" on a sex offender's chest, a superintendent of schools, for example, will engage in a mass mailing to notify all the residents of the community that an individual has moved into the neighborhood who not only is a convicted sex offender but may be a threat to children. (See Hendricks Reply Aff., dated March 15, 1996, Exhs. A, B). Like the branding and public shaming statutes, community notification laws punish by inflicting [**74] shame and public disgrace on the offender. Indeed, as the debate minutes show, today's lawmakers -- like their colonial counterparts -- are counting on "the invisible whip of public opinion" to deter the sex offender from future wrongdoing. n17 Moreover, just as the message of branding was that "this offender was not likely to mend his ways," the premise underlying the Act is the belief that once someone is a sex offender, he or she will always be a sex offender. (See Assembly Minutes at 383 ("once a pedophile, always a pedophile"), 380 ("these people, you can't rehabilitate, rehabilitation doesn't work")).



n17 Shaming statutes fell out of favor in the nineteenth century as incarceration became the punishment of choice. Friedman & Scheiber, American Law, at 17. One reason for this shift away from shaming was that people came to believe that shaming was simply not effective as society grew larger and more heterogenous. Societal pressure was far less effective in keeping offenders in line when there was no longer a common belief system and a tightly knit society to enforce it. Friedman, Crime and Punishment, at 77. Another reason shaming statutes became less popular was a growing belief that this form of punishment was "uncivilized," particularly as society began to focus more on rehabilitation. Id. at 75.


[**75]

The United States argues in its amicus brief that the shaming statutes are not an appropriate analogy because the purpose of the Act is not to humiliate or draw public ridicule but to protect. (U.S. Mem. at 15). This argument is rejected. First, the debate minutes quoted above show that a "lust for retribution" may very well have been a factor [*626] in the passage of the Act. Second, even assuming that the New York legislature's purpose was purely protective, legislative purpose cannot be the sole consideration. Indeed, if legislative purpose were to control the outcome, there would be no point in considering any factor other than legislative intent. Yet, common sense dictates, and the cases clearly hold, that other factors must be considered as well.

The United States urges that the notification provisions of the Act are comparable to "traditional 'wanted' posters for outlaws" and "television and radio announcements warning of criminal fugitives." (U.S. Mem. at 17 (citing W.P. v. Poritz, 931 F. Supp. at 1217)). The analogy does not work. There is a vast difference between an outlaw or fugitive who is seeking to escape capture and prosecution and an individual who has been convicted [**76] and has already paid his debt to society. The government's interest in apprehending fugitives who present a threat to the public because they seek to escape punishment for their crimes is far different from its interest in notifying the public about a sex offender who has completed a term of imprisonment. Indeed, if anything, the use of the analogy to outlaws and fugitives who have yet to be punished is further indication of the existence of a punitive edge to the Act.

(ii) Banishment

Banishment or exclusion from the community has been considered punishment since before the time of the Revolution. Indeed, "banishment was a weapon in the English arsenal for centuries," Kennedy v. Mendoza-Martinez, 372 U.S. at 168 n.23, and the English used banishment to the American colonies as a form of punishment. Schick v. Reed, 419 U.S. 256, 261, 42 L. Ed. 2d 430, 95 S. Ct. 379 (1974) ("our own Colonies were the recipients of numerous subjects of 'banishment'"); see also Friedman, Crime and Punishment, at 40.

Banishment was the next step after branding: criminals who were deemed a "permanent danger" or who engaged in repeated criminality were excluded from the community [**77] all together. Friedman, Crime and Punishment, at 40.

Banishment was not often imposed, however, because "it was always 'adjudged a harsh punishment even by men accustomed to brutality in the administration of justice.'" Kennedy v. Mendoza-Martinez, 372 U.S. at 168 n.23 (quoting Maxey, Loss of Nationality: Individual Choice or Government Fiat?, 26 Albany L. Rev. 151, 164 (1962)); see also Friedman, Crime and Punishment, at 41.

Banishment from the community was not limited to physical banishment. Branding and other permanent forms of stigmatization effectively banished offenders from the community by subjecting them to ostracism. Massaro, supra, at 1913. After having suffered public humiliation, offenders were often unable to return to their place in society. Brilliant, The Modern Day Scarlet Letter: A Critical Analysis of Modern Probation Conditions, 1989 Duke L.J. at 1361-62.

Notification statutes have resulted in the banishment of sex offenders both literally and psychologically. Not only have sex offenders literally been forced to relocate to different towns and even different states, public notification has made it difficult if not impossible [**78] for them to reintegrate into society. Moreover, banishment is precisely what some members of the New York State Assembly intended, as one Assemblyman publicly expressed the hope that the Act would drive sex offenders "out of town, out of state." (Assembly Minutes at 388-89) (statement of Assemblyman Weisenberg).

Hence, a comparison with historical analogues suggests that notification is punitive.

(4) Effects

Perhaps more clearly than anything else, the effects of community notification show that these provisions are punitive. Notification increases punishment simply because it increases the penalty -- or suffering in right, person, or property -- imposed on a sex offender for his crime. A discussion of "effects" requires consideration of: (i) whether the Act imposes an affirmative disability or restraint on registrants, (ii) whether the Act increases punishment by interfering with the ability of sex offenders to rehabilitate, [*627] and (iii) whether the Act serves the goals of punishment.

(i) Disability or Restraint

Public notification has led to an "affirmative disability or restraint" on registrants and their families and, indeed, to excessively harsh results. [**79] These include not just a few highly-publicized incidents, but the repeated incidents reviewed above. (See supra pp. 13-21). As I noted in my prior opinion issuing a preliminary injunction, one could argue, depending on the crime involved, that these sex offenders deserved this treatment. 919 F. Supp. at 701. The question before the Court, however, is not whether they did, but whether the effect of public notification is to punish. Clearly, it is.

Defendants contend that an otherwise regulatory law is not rendered punitive merely because it imposes "unpleasant consequences." (Def. Mem. at 20). I agree. As the Supreme Court made clear in Ursery, the mere fact that legislation imposes some deterrent effect on individuals does not automatically transform it from a regulatory measure into a punitive measure. 116 S. Ct. at 2149. Yet the converse must also be true. A punitive legislative scheme may also have some regulatory aspects to it. Punishment is not merely retribution or retaliation; it may also have as goals incapacitation (or protection), deterrence, and rehabilitation. The fact that the Act may be regulatory in some respects does not preclude a finding that it increases [**80] punishment for purposes of the Ex Post Facto Clause.

Defendants rely heavily on the cases upholding other statutes that imposed restrictions on convicted felons after the fact, such as De Veau. See also Bae v. Shalala, 44 F.3d 489, 493-94 (7th Cir. 1995); United States v. Huss, 7 F.3d 1444, 1447-48 (9th Cir. 1993); Wiley v. Bowen, 263 U.S. App. D.C. 140, 824 F.2d 1120, 1122 (D.C. Cir. 1987). These cases do not require the conclusion that the public notification provisions of the Act are regulatory. Public notification under the Act is not simply a matter, for example, of being qualified to work in the pharmaceutical industry or on the waterfront or being qualified to carry a gun. Rather, public notification results in broader, more fundamental consequences -- which amount to punishment. As Judge Squatrito noted in Roe v. Office of Adult Probation, 938 F. Supp. 1080, 1996 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 12801, 1996 WL 494770, at *12, "the consequences of [community notification] are unlimited. Notification is an affirmative placement by the State of a form of public stigma on [the sex offender], and this stigma by its very nature pervades into every aspect of an offender's life."

Finally, defendants contend that the state [**81] cannot be blamed for the harm that has arisen from the "private reactions" of members of the general public. (Def. Mem. at 32). See, e.g., W.P. v. Poritz, 931 F. Supp. at 1211-12; Doe v. Poritz, 662 A.2d at 376. Likewise, they contend that all the information in question is already public information available through other means. See, e.g., Stearns, slip op. at 9-10; People v. Afrika, 168 Misc. 2d 618, 1996 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 319, 648 N.Y.S.2d 235, 1996 WL 496672, at *5. These arguments ignore the fact that the Act gathers this information and makes it much more accessible to the public. Public access to criminal records that are theoretically on file somewhere in a courthouse or other government building is a far cry from the public access made possible by the Act. In another context the Supreme Court noted:


Plainly there is a vast difference between the public records that might be found after a diligent search of courthouse files, county archives, and local police stations throughout the country and a computerized summary located in a single clearinghouse of information.


United States Dep't of Justice v. Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, 489 U.S. 749, 764, 103 L. Ed. 2d 774, 109 S. Ct. 1468 [**82] (1989) (in Freedom of Information Act case, holding that the FBI was not required to disclose contents of rap sheets, even though much of the information was public information); see also Whalen v. Roe, 429 U.S. 589, 605-06, 51 L. Ed. 2d 64, 97 S. Ct. 869 (1977) ("We are not unaware of the threat to privacy implicit in the accumulation of vast amounts of personal information in computerized data banks or other massive government files."); id. at 607 ("The central storage and [*628] easy accessibility of computerized data vastly increase the potential for abuse of that information . . . .") (Brennan, J., concurring). The accessibility of data provided by the Act is clearly in itself a cognizable source of its punitive effects.

(ii) The Effect on Rehabilitation

The effect of public notification on the ability of sex offenders to rehabilitate strongly suggests that the Act is punitive. Sex offenders are given a sentence, serve it, and then are expected to re-enter society, hopefully having been rehabilitated by their punishment of incarceration. Public notification, however, prevents sex offenders from finding a home, getting a job, and reintegrating into society. As [**83] the Oregon Report notes, relatives, halfway houses, and community transition programs have become "more reluctant" to take in sex offenders because of community notification. (Oregon Report, pp. 13-14). Thus, sex offenders have been forced to move from one temporary residence to another. Similarly, employers have been more reluctant to hire released sex offenders because of community notification. (Id.).

By impeding rehabilitation, public notification "substantially interfere[s] with the objectives of the original punishment, including the eventual rehabilitation of the offender." Nitz, slip op. at 13. As the court commented in Nitz:


If the law says that the maximum punishment for a crime is ten years of incarceration, eleven years of incarceration cannot be imposed. When a court sentences a defendant to a term of incarceration, the sentence reflects a determination that at the end of that term of incarceration (and any attendant period of supervised release or the like), the defendant will be considered to have paid for his crime and be entitled, indeed expected, to go about completing his rehabilitation by reintegrating with society.


Id. at 13. [**84] Likewise, Justice Brennan recognized the tension between retribution and rehabilitation when he wrote, in the context of using denationalization as punishment,


I can think of no more certain way in which to make a man in whom, perhaps, rest the seeds of serious antisocial behavior more likely to pursue further a career of unlawful activity than to place on him the stigma of the derelict, uncertain of many of his basic rights.


Trop v. Dulles, 356 U.S. 86, 111, 2 L. Ed. 2d 630, 78 S. Ct. 590 (1958) (Black, J., concurring). n18



n18 See also Weems v. United States, where the Supreme Court held that a sentence of long-term government surveillance after completion of a 12-year prison sentence constituted cruel and unusual punishment. The Court wrote:


[Defendant's] prison bars and chains are removed, it is true, after twelve years, but he goes from them to a perpetual limitation of his liberty. He is forever kept under the shadow of his crime, forever kept within voice and view of the criminal magistrate, not being able to change his domicile without giving notice to the "authority immediately in charge of his surveillance" and without permission in writing. He may not seek, even in other scenes and among other people, to retrieve his fall from rectitude. Even that hope is taken from him, and he is subject to tormenting regulations that, if not so tangible as iron bars and stone walls, oppress as much by their continuity, and deprive of essential liberty.


217 U.S. 349, 366, 54 L. Ed. 793, 30 S. Ct. 544 (1910).


[**85]

The court in Nitz held that because the public notification provisions of the Alaska law impeded the sex offender's ability to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society, they increased punishment and thus ran "afoul" of the Ex Post Facto Clause. Nitz, slip op. at 14. n19 This reasoning applies with equal force to this case. Because they substantially impede the ability of sex offenders to rehabilitate, the notification provisions of the Act increase punishment.



n19 Nonetheless, the court denied a preliminary injunction on the basis of a balancing of the hardships tipped in favor of the public's need for protection. Id. Here, the issues are before the Court not on a motion for a preliminary injunction, but on cross-motions for summary judgment.


(iii) The Goals of Punishment

Another important issue is whether the Act has the effect of serving the traditional goals of punishment. Kennedy v. Mendoza-Martinez, 372 U.S. at 168-69 ("whether [a sanction's] operation will [*629] promote the traditional [**86] aims of punishment -- retribution and deterrence"). The notification provisions of the Act have the effect of promoting three of the traditional goals of punishment: deterrence, retribution, and incapacitation.

"Punishments aim to deter future undesired conduct by visiting some significantly unpleasant consequence upon the criminal." Rowe, 884 F. Supp. at 1379. The ostracism, public humiliation, and other harsh consequences that result from public notification certainly deter future criminal conduct. Moreover, public notification also serves the goal of retribution by giving the sex offenders what many believe they deserve. Finally, public notification has the effect of incapacitating sex offenders as it restricts their ability to reenter society and indeed results in their banishment from the community.

In sum, the legislative intent, the design of the Act, the historical treatment of comparable measures, and the Act's effects provide the "clearest proof" that the notification provisions of the Act are punitive in nature. Because of the current climate of fear and anger, because convicted sex offenders as a group have been deemed undeserving of any rights, the New York legislature [**87] has passed a law that increases punishment after the fact and that "sweep[s] away settled expectations suddenly and without individualized consideration." Landgraf, 114 S. Ct. at 1497. Accordingly, I hold that the public notification provisions of the Act, including the 900 number and all forms of public dissemination of information, constitute punitive, not regulatory, measures. Application of these measures to individuals who committed their crimes before the Act was passed violates the Ex Post Facto Clause.

b. Registration

Virtually every court that has considered the issue of whether registration is punishment for purposes of the Ex Post Facto Clause has held that it is not. See, e.g., Artway v. Attorney General of New Jersey, 81 F.3d at 1253-67; Rowe v. Burton, 884 F. Supp. at 1377-80; Doe v. Poritz, 662 A.2d at 387-406; State v. Ward, 869 P.2d at 1069; State v. Noble, 829 P.2d at 1221-25; but see Louisiana v. Payne, 633 So. 2d 701 (La. Ct. App. 1993). Nonetheless, plaintiffs contend that the registration provisions of the Act are punitive. While I agree that there are some punitive aspects to registration, ultimately I conclude that [**88] registration is regulatory and not punitive. Hence, the Ex Post Facto Clause does not bar retroactive application of the registration provisions of the Act. I review registration in the context of the four areas discussed above: (1) intent, (2) design, (3) history, and (4) effects.

(1) Intent

As noted, the New York State legislature's stated intent in passing the Act was to protect. Although I have concluded that there was a punitive purpose to the Act in the context of community notification, I do not draw that conclusion with respect to registration.

Registration plainly serves the valid regulatory goals of the Act to protect the public and aid law enforcement. Indeed, registration is a legitimate and necessary means toward achieving those goals. By knowing where convicted sex offenders reside, by knowing when they move into a new neighborhood, law enforcement authorities will be in a better position to protect their communities and to enforce the laws. Ultimately, the crucial question is whether registration imposes requirements or leads to results that are so excessive that the punitive aspects overcome the regulatory purposes. In my view, they do not.

(2) Design [**89]

As noted above in the discussion of public notification, the Act contains features that are classic indicia of a punitive scheme. (See supra pp. 52-53). These features exist as well with respect to registration. In addition, the failure to register is a basis for revoking the parole or probation that was ordered for the underlying offense and constitutes a separate offense. § § 168-d(2), 168-t. The Act also provides for consideration of victim impact statements in determining the duration of registration. § 168-d(3).

[*630] On the other hand, registration is substantially different from public notification. Registration can be accomplished privately and registration does not suffer from the same excesses in design that exist with respect to notification. Hence, while some aspects of the design of the registration provisions suggest they are punitive, the overall design is not.

(3) History

Registration has not historically been considered punishment; rather, "registration is a common and long-standing regulatory technique with a remedial purpose." Artway, 81 F.3d at 1264 (citing United States v. Harriss, 347 U.S. 612, 98 L. Ed. 989, 74 S. Ct. 808 (1954); United [**90] States v. Kahriger, 345 U.S. 22, 97 L. Ed. 754, 73 S. Ct. 510 (1953), overruled on other grounds by Marchetti v. United States, 390 U.S. 39, 19 L. Ed. 2d 889, 88 S. Ct. 697 (1968); New York v. Zimmerman, 278 U.S. 63, 73 L. Ed. 184, 49 S. Ct. 61 (1928)). But see Arizona v. Noble, 829 P.2d at 1222 ("We agree . . . that registration has traditionally been viewed as punitive."). In striking down a registration statute for lack of notice, the Supreme Court acknowledged the regulatory nature of the act at issue: "At most the ordinance is but a law enforcement technique designed for the convenience of law enforcement agencies . . . ." Lambert v. California, 355 U.S. 225, 229, 2 L. Ed. 2d 228, 78 S. Ct. 240 (1957).

(4) Effects

Most significantly, registration does not impose a substantial affirmative disability or restraint. The Act does require individuals to register with their local precinct on an annual basis for ten years and in some cases every 90 days for life. Plaintiffs make a compelling argument that this constitutes an increase in punishment, and, indeed, the registration provisions have the effect of increasing the period of parole or probation set [**91] by the sentencing judge. This "unpleasant consequence," however, does not transform registration from a regulatory measure into a punitive one. Ursery, 116 S. Ct. at 2149. The essentially ministerial action of registration does not restrain or inhibit the sex offender's activities in any significant way.

Moreover, registration by itself does not lead to the same excesses that have followed public notification. The ostracism that has accompanied public notification will not result from the mere fact of registration. In addition, registration does not substantially interfere with the objectives of the original punishment or the eventual rehabilitation of the offender. Nitz, slip op. at 13. By requiring a convicted sex offender to register periodically with the local police, the Act does not inhibit the offender's rehabilitation in any meaningful way and the simple act of registration will not prevent a sex offender from reintegrating into society. Indeed, registration may further rehabilitation, as sex offenders who register with police are less likely to commit another crime because their identity, address, and criminal history are readily available. See State v. Noble, [**92] 829 P.2d at 1223. Although this reasoning also supports the conclusion that registration is punishment, as registration also has the effect of furthering the traditional punitive goal of deterrence, the non-punitive effects nonetheless outweigh the punitive ones.

In short, I hold that the registration provisions of the Act are regulatory and not punitive in nature.


B. The Due Process and Statutory Claims

Plaintiffs also assert due process and statutory claims. The statutory claim is as follows: the Act provides for the sentencing court to determine the risk classification for incarcerated offenders who are about to be released. § 168-n. In contrast, however, the risk classifications for persons already on parole or probation on the effective date of the Act are being determined by the Division of Parole or the Division of Probation rather than by a court. § 168-g(1). Plaintiffs contend that not only is there no statutory basis for this practice, it conflicts with the statute's language and design.

For their due process claim, plaintiffs contend that the rights of individuals on parole or probation on the effective date of the Act are also being violated because [**93] of the manner in which risk levels are being assigned by the [*631] Divisions of Parole and Probation. In particular, plaintiffs contend that such individuals are receiving no notice or opportunity to be heard before the risk level classifications are imposed.

I do not need to reach these claims, however, because I am granting plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment with respect to the public notification provisions of the Act. Hence, plaintiffs' due process and statutory claims are dismissed without prejudice as moot. n20



n20 The determination of risk classification is important only for purposes of notification. Since I am enjoining application of the notification provisions of the Act with respect to all individuals who committed their crimes before the Act took effect on January 21, 1996, defendants cannot enforce notification with respect to individuals already on parole or probation on January 21, 1996. Hence, no purpose would be served by classifying these individuals. Moreover, even if they are classified, the individuals in question will suffer no harm as notification may not be implemented as to them in any event.


[**94]

CONCLUSION

For the foregoing reasons, the parties' cross-motions for summary judgment are granted in part and denied in part.

The Clerk of the Court shall enter judgment as follows: (i) in favor of plaintiffs on their claim that retroactive application of the notification provisions of the Act would violate the Ex Post Facto Clause; (ii) permanently enjoining defendants, their agents, employees, and all persons acting in concert with them from enforcing the public notification provisions of the Act, including § § 168-l(6)(b) and (c), 168-p, and 168-q, against persons who committed their crimes before January 21, 1996; (iii) in favor of defendants dismissing with prejudice plaintiffs' claim that retroactive application of the registration provisions of the Act would violate the Ex Post Facto Clause; and (iv) in favor of defendants dismissing without prejudice plaintiffs' due process and statutory claims as moot.

SO ORDERED.


Dated: New York, New York

September 24, 1996

DENNY CHIN

United States District Judge