ST. LOUIS (CN) - A federal judge struck down part of a new state law that requires registered sex offenders to stay in their homes between 5 and 10:30 p.m. on Halloween and bans them from contact with children that evening.
U.S. District Judge Carol Jackson says the law is too vague to be enforced. But offenders still must turn off their lights and post a sign stating that there is no candy or treats at their residence.
Four sex offenders sued this month, claiming the law was too vague. The law stated orders them confined to their homes at the designated times unless they have to go to work or there is an emergency. The offenders claimed the law's vagueness could lead to arbitrary enforcement and punishment. A violation is a misdemeanor punishably by up to a year in jail.
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