I just came across this article on CNN internet news about a bill introduced in NJ to prohibit covicted sex offenders from using the internet. Violators would be subject to up to 18 months in jail and a $10k fine.

Does this violate 1st Amendment rights? Is it cruel & unusual punishment?
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/12/27/internet.sex.offenders.ap/index.html

Not cruel and unusual at all! Their use of the internet landed them in prison to begin with. They're on parole (which in and of itself is bad enough). We most certainly should impose restrictions on the very avenue that enables them to continue their illegal activity.

There's also no 1st Amendment Right to internet access. The words "Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press" means legislators may not enact a law that deprives an individual of their constitutional right of free expression. No one is stopping them from speaking their mind, no one is stopping them from writing down their thoughts... but we certainly have no obligation to provide the pen and paper.

I understand what you are saying, but communication over the internet is a form of speech. That being said, prohibiting persons of all uses of the internet is a restaint on speech which would violate the 1st Amendment.

I think its an issue ripe for the courts.

I support free speech on the internet... but I think we have a right to restrict their access to the internet as a condition of their parole. Just as we restrict their travel in that they can't be within a certain number of feet of a school or playground. It's certainly ripe for the courts.

Lets take it one step further and ban the use of cell phones by child predators.

See the attached link. Any thoughts? http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/01/11/teachers.charged/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

Sexual predators represent a serious risk to children and to families. Their Constitutional rights should be abrograted to protect the defensless. I believe that athe courts will say the same thing.

Studies have shown that sexual predators can not help their addition and act on impulses. They need a structure that prohibits them acting on impulse. If that means forbidding them from using a cell phone or internet, then the courts should do it.

Lets not forget that we take away constitutional rights at the border and at airports for national security.