Child Sexual Abuse by Clergy: Statute of Limitations and Repose ChallengesBy Christopher T. Hurley and Mark R. McKennaNovember 2012Article, Page 608A recent appellate court decision holds that a Catholic diocese's fraudulent concealment of abuse tolls the statutes of limitation and repose, allowing a middle-aged victim to recover.
Bill would eliminate time limits on child-molestation prosecutionsBy Adam W. LaskerJuly 2012Lawpulse, Page 346A legislative proposal would remove the statute of limitation for prosecuting sex crimes against minors, but both prosecutors and criminal defense lawyers have misgivings.
New registration requirements for sex offenders. PA 097-0578January 2012Illinois Law Update, Page 16Illinois lawmakers have amended the Sex Offender Registration Act to introduce new retroactive registration requirements for sex offenders and sexual predators. 730 ILCS 150/2 et seq.
DCFS may not employ sexually dangerous persons. PA 097-0103October 2011Illinois Law Update, Page 496The Children and Family Services Act has been amended to prohibit the Department of Children and Family Services from employing sexually dangerous persons.
School districts must provide criminal record information upon request. PA 097-0248October 2011Illinois Law Update, Page 496Illinois lawmakers have amended the School Code to require school districts to provide certain criminal record check results and Statewide Sex Offender Database check results that it obtained within the past year upon request. (105 ILCS 5/10-21.9, 5/34-18.5)
Sex offender registration changes: not worth the cost?By Helen W. GunnarssonOctober 2011Lawpulse, Page 490Failing to implement legislation bringing Illinois into compliance with the federal Adam Walsh act is costing the state federal grant funds. But would enacting the law cost even more?
The Illinois Predator Accountability Act: A Sleeping GiantBy Christopher P. KeleherNovember 2010Article, Page 582The Illinois Predator Accountability Act of 2006 allows victims of sexual exploitation to sue pimps, brothels, and customers. Learn about the law's potential and pitfalls.
Stiffer monitoring of sex offender information. PA 096-1104October 2010Illinois Law Update, Page 508While sex offenders have previously been required to report accurate information about their place of residence and employment, Illinois lawmakers have added required elements of identification to the list. (730 ILCS 150/3).
2010 Spring Session RoundupBy Jim CovingtonAugust 2010Column, Page 404A summary of key Illinois legislation passed this spring.
Sexting: It's No Joke, It's a CrimeBy Joshua D. HermanApril 2010Article, Page 192A look at the high-stakes legal issues raised by adolescent "sexting" and their implications for counsel to teens, parents, and schools.
No after-the-fact extension of statute of limitationsBy Helen W. GunnarssonNovember 2009Lawpulse, Page 546The legislature can't revive a time-barred lawsuit by later extending the statute of limitations, the illinois Supreme Court holds.
Juveniles can be required to register as sex offendersBy Helen W. GunnarssonJuly 2009Lawpulse, Page 330The supreme court held that registration is not punishment and that juveniles can be required to register even though they aren’t entitled to a jury trial on the charges.
Polygraph Exams in Sex-Offense CasesBy Kerry J. BrysonOctober 2008Article, Page 528Despite doubts about their reliability, polygraph exams are required in sex-offense cases. This article discusses the law.
Sex Offender Community Notification Law amended. PA 095-0817October 2008Illinois Law Update, Page 504On August 14, 2008, the Sex Offender Community Notification Law was amended by adding Section 116 titled "Missing Sex Offender Database." 730 ILCS 152/116.
"Sex Offenders" but No Sex Crime?By Marion Buckley and J. Michael TrueSeptember 2007Article, Page 482Under the original law, some people who didn't commit sex crimes had to register as "sex offenders." The legislature addressed the issue last year with a new law that creates its own problems.
Loss of custody and visitation rights for sex offenders -PA 094-0928November 2006Illinois Law Update, Page 584The Illinois General Assembly has created a new section to the Illinois Parentage Act in an effort to protect families who have been victims of sexual crimes. 750 ILCS 45/6.5.
Mental disorder defined regarding acts of sexual violence PA 094-705March 2006Illinois Law Update, Page 118Effective June 1, 2006, the Illinois General Assembly has added section 4.03 to the Sexually Dangerous Persons Act, 750 ILCS 205/4.03, in order to recognize those with mental disorders.
IMDMA requires notice of remarriage to sex offender PA 094-0643November 2005Illinois Law Update, Page 564Beginning on January 1, 2006, Illinois law requires the consideration of an additional factor when determining custody in "the best interest of the child."
State may rely solely on pictures as evidence depicting child pornographyAugust 2005Illinois Law Update, Page 390On June 3, 2005, the Illinois Supreme Court affirmed the decisions of the Illinois Appellate Court, Second District, and the Circuit Court of Ogle County, sentencing the defendant to two years of probation on several counts of possession of child pornography.
