Lion of Liberalism: Former SCOTUS Justice John Paul Stevens dies at 99
Former Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, who lived here in Florida, died yesterday at the age of 99. Although he was Republican appointed, Stevens emerged as the Supreme Court’s leading liberal during his nearly 35 years on the SCOTUS bench.
In 2002’s ACLU v. Ashcroft, he wrote in a dissenting opinion that “[a]s a parent, grandparent, and great-grandparent”, he endorsed the legislative goal of protecting children from pornography “without reservation”: “As a judge, I must confess to a growing sense of unease when the interest in protecting children from prurient materials is invoked as a justification for using criminal regulation of speech as a substitute for, or a simple backup to, adult oversight of children’s viewing.”
We wonder how Stevens would rule on certain restrictions governing people required to register as sex offenders if he were still on the bench today.
NOTE: Since posting, several members alerted us that Stevens was a dissenting opinion in Smith v. Doe!!! Rest in Peace Justice Stevens!
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Stevens advocated repealing the 2nd Amendment. Now, as we see the harm of a sexually perverse government running genocide on so-called sex offender — we see the need more than ever for citizens to have weapons independent of government approval.
Since so-called sex offenders will not be protected by public prosecutors or police in many cases, they need guns to protect themselves from opportunistic vigilantes. This should include concealed carry.
We don’t recommend that any felons possess firearms. Not unless the law changes.
AGREED 1000%
Stevens was also one of three Justices who dissented in Smith v. Doe.
This is also more reason to appreciate him.
If I’m not mistaken, Stevens wrote a dissenting opinion in Smith v. Doe, summarily stating the registry was indeed punishment and pointed out that he would not be convinced otherwise.
You are not mistaken, and I wish he can be alive to tell everybody ” I told you so ! ” when the day comes to overturn Smith for being punitive in its face.