(Columbia-AP) June 23, 2003 - The state Supreme Court will hear arguments Tuesday on whether juvenile sex offenders should be listed on the state sex offender registry.

Lawyers for a Richland County boy who was 9-years-old when he committed a sex offense say forcing him to register for life violates his constitutional rights. The boy pleaded guilty two years ago in Family Court to first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor in an incident involving his then 6-year-old sister.

The state Attorney General's Office says the boy probably will not be stigmatized, because names of offenders on the registry who are under 12 are kept secret from the public.

The names are given to victims or witnesses, schools, day-care centers and businesses or organizations that primarily serve children, women or vulnerable adults.

The boy is only identified as "Ronnie A" in court papers.

posted 7:53am by Chris Rees