Michigan registry loses more than 20,000 names after court ruling

Michigan State Police have removed more than 20,000 people from the state’s sex offender registry after the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that registration requirements cannot be retroactively extended for offenses committed before July 1, 2011. The removals reduced the registry by nearly half, and the total could change as the review continues.

The Sept. 9 ruling found that expanded reporting rules, tier classifications and lifetime registration requirements amounted to unconstitutional retroactive punishment. The decision does not overturn convictions, but it has prompted debate over constitutional rights and public safety. People convicted of offenses on or after July 1, 2011, remain subject to registry requirements.

Read the full story at clickondetroit.com.