N.J. limits on sex offenders rejected

NEWARK - New Jersey towns cannot ban sex offenders from living near schools, parks, or other places where children gather, a state appeals court ruled yesterday.

The three-judge panel found that New Jersey's Megan's Law was "pervasive and comprehensive" and should be the only law governing how sex offenders are treated. The ruling upheld findings by judges who invalidated ordinances in Cherry Hill and Galloway townships.

Supporters of those ordinances hoped the towns would appeal. Richard D. Pompelio, a lawyer for the New Jersey Crime Victims' Law Center, filed a brief endorsing the town's laws.

He questioned how Megan's Law, which requires sex offenders to register with the state, was preempted because it does not impose residency restrictions.

The towns banned adults convicted of sex offenses against a child from living within 2,500 feet of any school, park, playground, church, or other place "where children might congregate."

Similar laws are in place in many states and dozens of New Jersey towns.

Appellate Judge Joseph F. Lisa, writing for the court, said that the Cherry Hill and Galloway ordinances "interfere with and frustrate the purposes and operation of the statewide scheme."

The ruling was applauded by the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, which represented one of the offenders.

"Megan's Law is already accepted as constitutional and as the state's comprehensive approach to sex offenders. The residency requirements do not contribute to rehabilitation and may in fact undermine it," said Deborah Jacobs, executive director of the state chapter.